HC Deb 04 July 1974 vol 876 cc270-1W
Mrs. Chalker

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what are the most recent figures for (a) the annual administrative cost, excluding publicity, of the supplementary benefits scheme, (b) the annual cost of publicity for supplementary benefits, (c) the total administrative cost per recipient of supplementary benefits, and (d) the number of civil servants employed to administer the supplementary benefits scheme;

(2) what are the most recent figures for (a) the annual administrative cost, excluding publicity, of the family income supplement scheme, (b) the annual cost of publicity for the family income supplement scheme, (c) the total administrative cost per recipient of family income supplement and (d) the number of civil servants employed to administer the family income supplement scheme;

(3) what are the most recent figures for (a) the annual administrative cost, excluding publicity, of free prescriptions paid on grounds of low income or receipt of other benefits, (b) the annual cost of publicity of the scheme, (c) the total administrative cost per recipient of free prescriptions on low income grounds and (d) the number of civil servants employed to administer the prescription scheme;

(4) what are the most recent figures for (a) the annual administrative cost, excluding publicity, of free prescriptions paid on grounds for exemption other than incomes, (b) the annual cost of publicity of this scheme, (c) the total administrative cost per recipient of the benefits as above and (d) the number of civil servants employed to administer the scheme as above;

(5) what are the most recent figures of (a) the annual administrative cost, excluding publicity, of free welfare milk and foods paid on grounds of low income or receipt of other benefits, (b) the annual cost of publicity for the above, (c) the total administrative cost per recipient of the benefits for the above and (d) the number of civil servants employed to administer the scheme for the above.

Mr. O'Malley

It will take a little further time to assemble the necessary information. I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT as soon as I can.