HC Deb 27 July 1976 vol 916 c222W
Mr. Sproat

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what total sum has been paid out by his Department in the latest 12 months for which figures are available, in respect of hospital pocket money.

Mr. Deakins

Assuming the hon. Member is referring to cases where the pensions or benefits of long-stay in-patients are paid at one-fifth of the standard single rate, the cost of payments in 1975–76 is estimated to be of the order of £13 million.