§ Mr. Ralph Howellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many persons received social security benefits in 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973 and 1974, respectively.
§ Mr. Alec JonesInformation is not available in the form requested, but on average the total number of benefits and allowances, including supplementary benefit, industrial injuries benefit, war pensions, family income supplement and family allowances, being paid in any week in the years specified was as follows:
1970 17 million 1971 17 million 1972 18 million 1973 18½ million Many people receive more than one payment, so that the total number of persons is much less than the total number of
574Wthat the area will need in (a) 1980 and (b) 1985; how these estimated figures compare with the number of such beds currently (a) needed and (b) in existence; what plans have been prepared to meet the present and future demands for such beds; and whether, if the building of the new area general hospital at Castle Lane, Bournemouth, is delayed, it will be possible to provide these beds in any other way.
§ Dr. OwenThe figures requested are set out in the following table:
benefits and allowances. Figures for 1974 are not yet available.
§ Mr. Ralph Howellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the total amount paid out in social security payments in 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973 and 1974, respectively.
§ Mr. Alec JonesThe amounts paid out were as follows:
Expenditure (£m.) Year ended 31st March 1970 3,393 1971 3,634 1972 4,223 1973 4,789 1974 5,277