§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why, in view of the fact that social welfare benefits are depreciating in purchasing value by 6.6 per cent. per annum, he will not recommend the appointment of a Royal Commission to investigate the whole system of social security payments and the best method of seeing that these maintain their purchasing value.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why, in view 294W of the fact that social security benefits are losing their purchasing value by 6.6 per cent. per annum, he will not, without awaiting any ultimate review, pay as from 1st January, 1971, an additional 6.6 per cent. on all social welfare payments.
§ Mr. DeanSupplementary benefits were increased by over 8 per cent. last month. Other benefits are due for their biennial review next year.