§ Mr. Forresterasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received claiming that the income guides listed on Leaflet FB11 are misleading; and if he will withdraw or amend the leaflet.
154W
§ Sir K. JosephA few people who have claimed benefits on the basis of the income guide in this leaflet have then found that they were not entitled to benefits. The leaflet makes it clear that although the table is a useful guide it is only very approximate because the income limits are affected by the age of children and such variables as rents, rates and expenses connected with work.
Over 20 million copies of this leaflet have already been distributed and there is evidence that it has already succeeded in its objective. It does not need amendment and I do not propose to withdraw it. The actual claim forms spell out in much greater detail the qualifications for entitlement.