§ Mr. Skinnerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much has been spent advertising each of the following benefits, namely, pensions for the over 80s, exemption from National Health Service charges, eligibility for free welfare foods, and family income supplement; and if he will make a statement on his future plans for publicising welfare benefit.
§ Sir K. JosephIn 1971 £35,000 has been spent advertising pensions for the over-80s and £310,000 on family income supplement. Advertising of exemptions from charges and eligibility for free welfare foods was combined and cost £200,000. I shall take further steps next year to widen awareness of benefits and increase take-up but have no immediate plans to announce.