§ 32. Mr. Lamondasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how the figures contained in the income guide in leaflet FB11, issued by his Department, were calculated, particularly those relating to the income levels at which a married couple qualify for various benefits.
§ Mr. DeanI circulate below the information of the benefits for which my Department is responsible. Free school meals are a matter for my right hon. 229W Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science.
Following is the information:
NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE DENTAL AND OPTICAL CHARGES Requirements of man and wife: £ (i) Personal requirements 8.50 (ii) Rent and rates 2.35 Discretionary margin 1.50 Expenses in connection with employment. 0.35 "Disregard" on earnings 2.00 Net income level 14.70 National Insurance (flat rate) contribution. 0.88 Graduated Contribution 0.42 Income tax 1.95 17.95
PRESCRIPTION CHARGES Requirements of man and wife: £ (i) Personal requirements 8.50 (ii) Rent and rates 2.35 Additional Statutory requirement 0.30 Cost of one prescription 0.20 Expenses in connection with employment. 0.35 "Disregard" on earnings 2.00 Net income level 13.70 National Insurance (flat rate) contribution. 0.88 Graduated contribution 0.35 Income tax 1.52 Gross income level 16.45
WELFARE FOODS Requirements of man and wife: £ (i) Personal requirements 8.50 (ii) Rent and rates 2.35 Additional statutory requirement 1.00 Cost of welfare foods 0.35 Expenses in connection with employment. 0.35 "Disregard" on earnings 2.00 Net income level 14.55 National Insurance (flat rate) contribution. 0.88 Graduated contribution 0.42 Income tax 1.85 Gross income level 17.70 The income table refers to "gross earnings" and the assumptions about estimated rent and fares are set out clearly.