§ Mrs. Chalkerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much of the £881 million increase in social security expenditure between 1974–75 and 1975–76, as set out in the Public Expenditure White Paper of February 1976, is due (a) to higher unemployment and (b) to increases in the number of retirement pensions; and how much of the increase in family allowances was reduced by way of income tax and clawback.
§ Mr. OrmeBenefits for the unemployed in 1975–76 compared with 1974–75 added about £430 million to social security expenditure, and the increase in the number of retirement pensioners about £160 million. It is estimated that the yield from tax and clawback on family allowances increased in 1975–76 by about £70 million over the 1974–75 figure.
§ Mrs. Chalkerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what proportion of supplementary benefit and non-contributory benefits in 1974–75 was in respect of persons aged 65 years and over; and what proportion and amount was in respect of persons aged 75 years and over.
§ Mr. OrmeIn 1974–75, 41 per cent. of supplementary benefit and non-contributory benefits was in respect of persons aged 65 years and over, and 20 per cent.—£260 million—in respect of persons aged 75 years and over.