§ 59. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) whether he is aware that the officially announced figure for the average wage is £30 per week and that many sick and disabled persons are in receipt of £5 per week; and if he will take steps to assist such disabled people to receive a higher income;
(2) whether he has considered the communication from the hon. Member for West Ham, North showing that two of his constituents, both sick, live on a total sum of £10 5s. per week; and what action he proposes to take to assist these people and those in a similar position to receive a reasonable income from the welfare funds.
§ Mr. O'MalleyMy hon. Friend's communication is being considered and I will 3W be writing to him shortly. The Government recognise the needs of the sick and others unable to work. As my hon. Friend knows, the recently increased rates of supplementary benefit are worth over a fifth more in real terms than the equivalent national assistance rates in October, 1964. This excludes the separate allowance for rent and the long-term addition, now 10s. which goes to most long-term cases. The Government will continue to do all that is practicable to help such people.