§ 49. Mr. Thorneasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what priority she gives to a major upward review of benefits being paid by her Department to the unemployed, the sick and the elderly.
§ Mr. O'MalleySection 125 of the Social Security. Act 1975 requires my right hon. Friend to review the level of benefits at least annually and increase them if they have not retained their value. The Government are, also, committed to increasing benefits as often as may be necessary to protect beneficiaries in periods of specially high inflation.
§ 63. Mr. Arnoldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether she is satisfied that the distribution of social security benefits is adequate to meet the demands of those in real need; and what 174W action she proposes to take in this matter.
§ Mr. O'MalleyI am satisfied that this Government have made very significant advances in the field of social security provision for those in need. If the hon. Member has any particular problem in mind perhaps he could let me know.