§ Mr. Dormandasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will state the number of families receiving family income supplement at May, 1971 and at May, 1972; what proportion this represents of those estimated to be eligible; what is the average payment; and if he now proposes to make changes in the scheme.
§ Sir K. JosephPayments of family income supplements did not begin until August, 1971. As regards the take-up of this benefit in May, 1972, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Cardigan (Mr. Elystan Morgan) on 11th July. The average weekly payment in May, 1972. was £2.20. I have no changes to propose though I shall shortly be reviewing the scheme as undertaken by me when the Family Income Supplement Bill was before Parliament.—[Vol. 840, c.273.]