§ 34. Mr. Ralph Howellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the total amount paid out in social security benefits in the latest week for which these figures are available and the amount paid out for similar benefits in the corresponding week 12 months earlier.
§ Mr. DeanIt is estimated that the average weekly amount paid out in April, 1971, was £75 million compared with £70 million a week in April, 1970.
§ Mr. Ralph Howellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the number of persons receiving social security payments for the latest week in which these figures are available, and the number of persons receiving such similar benefits in the corresponding week 12 months previously.
§ Mr. DeanIn 1970, on average, the number of social security benefits being paid per week was approximately 17 million. In 1969 the number was about 16½ million. Figures for 1971 are not yet available. The figures include National Insurance and industrial injury benefits, 247W family allowances, supplementary benefits and war pensions. The number of persons receiving benefits was substantially less, because one person may receive two or more benefits, but it is not practicable to make an estimate of their number.
§ Mr. Ralph Howellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what percentage of the total population is represented by persons receiving social security payments, together with their dependants, in the latest week for which figures are available, and the corresponding week 12 months previously.
§ Mr. DeanIt is not practicable to make an estimate of the number of persons receiving social security benefits, and their dependants, because one person may receive two or more benefits.