HC Deb 09 July 1970 vol 803 cc100-1W
Mr. Skinner

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much he intends to spend on advertising through Press and television the provisions of the National Insurance Bill; how many people over 80 years of age will be receiving no benefit from the Bill because they are already in receipt of supplementary benefits; and how many will benefit from the provisions of the Bill.

Sir K. Joseph

The detailed arrangements and the cost of the necessary advertising are now being worked out. We believe there are about 100,000 potential beneficiaries among the over-eighties. About half are drawing supplementary pensions. Where the supplementary pension is less than the new pension the new pensioner will gain the difference. In general, those who do not come within the scope of the supplementary benefit scheme will benefit.