§ Mr. Mackintoshasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his latest estimate of the numbers of people entitled to family income supplement, the numbers actually drawing this benefit at the same date, and the percentage that recipients form of those estimated to be entitled to the benefit.
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§ Sir K. JosephThe most recent estimate is that about 160,000 families may be eligible far family income supplements. As I said in my reply to the hon. Member for Cornwall, North (Mr. Pardoe) on 18th November, however, this estimate is subject to wide margins of error and may be on the high side. Over 66,000 families—or over 41 per cent.—are now receiving supplements. This figure does not take account of claims awaiting decision, nor does it include the families receiving additional supplementary benefit because their wage-stop is modified by section 13 of the Family Income Supplements Act.—[Vol. 826, c.203–4.]