§ Mr. Meacherasked the Secretary of State for Social Services regarding means tests imposed for the receipt of rent rebates, rate rebates, free school meals, welfare foods, uniform grants, educational maintenance allowances, prescription charges and child care services, in which cases have the income ceilings for eligibility been raised since 1960; and by how much in each case.
§ Mr. AlisonThe income ceilings for prescription charges and welfare foods rise each time supplementary benefits are increased. The amount of the increase depends on individual circumstances.
Free school meals, uniform grants and educational maintenance allowances are for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science. Rent rebates and assessment of parental contributions in respect of children in care of local authorities are the responsibility of individual local authorities. Income levels for rate rebates are for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment.