HC Deb 09 December 1971 vol 827 cc373-4W
Mr. Meacher

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what reply he gives to those who write to him about the retirement pension.

Free Welfare Milk and Vitamins Prescription Charges Dental Charges Optical Charges
Number of Claims Number of Claims Number of Claims Number of Claims
Received Granted Received Granted Received Granted Received Granted
Week ending 27th July, 1971 … 2,300 1,500 2,400 1,600 4,200 2,300 6,900 3,700
Week ending 3rd August, 1971 … 2,100 1,200 2,000 1,100 3,500 2,100 6,200 3,300
Week ending 10th August, 1971 … 2,200 1,300 2,000 1,200 3,700 2,200 7,200 3,900
Week ending 17th August, 1971 … 1,900 1,300 2,100 1,300 3,500 2,000 5,800 3,500
Week ending 24th August, 1971 … 1,700 1,100 2,000 1,400 3,400 2,500 6,100 4,100
Four weeks* ending 21st September, 1971 … … Not available 4,900 7,600 4,000 Not available 7,200 Not available 12,400
Four weeks* ending 19th October, 1971 Not available Not available 10,500 5,600 Not available 9,600 Not available 15,200
* The collection of this information on a weekly basis was discontinued at the end of August.

Mr. Meacher

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many children under five years of age are living in families receiving supplementary benefit or family income supplement; and what proportion of these receives free welfare milk.

Sir K. Joseph

If the hon. Member has in mind the level of the pension, I explain that the increases from September amply fulfilled the pledge we gave at least to restore the purchasing power of the pension and gave a small real improvement as well. In addition the new age allowance gave extra help to those over 80. I also reiterate the Government's determination to reduce the rate of inflation.