HC Deb 26 February 1973 vol 851 cc301-2W
Mr. Ralph Howell

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether strikers are entitled to one pint of milk per day for every child under five.

Mr. Alison

All children under school age, except the first two, in families with three of more children under school age are entitled to one pint of free milk per day irrespective of family circumstances. A person involved in a trade dispute can obtain milk tokens entitling him to one pint of free milk per day for each of his first two children under school age if the family's income is within the normal qualifying limit.

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what has been the cost to public funds to date of payments made by the Supplementary Benefits Commission to those involved in the BRS industrial dispute, and their dependants.

Mr. Dean

I regret that the information requested is not available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. During the first fortnight of the dispute, when wages were paid, payments of supplementary benefit were not appropriate.

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what has been the cost to public funds to date of payments made by the Supplementary Benefits Commission to persons involved in industrial disputes, and to their dependants, since the entry into force of the Counter-Inflation (Temporary Provisions) Act.

Sir K. Joseph

By 13th February approximately£930 and£70,000 respectively.