HC Deb 05 November 1976 vol 918 c723W
Mr. Ralph Howell

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many heads of households are living on incomes below the appropriate FIS level in each case; what percentage of the total heads of household this represents; and how this compares with the previous year.

Mr. Orme

Based on the 1974 Family Expenditure Survey, which is known to contain large proportionate sampling errors for small estimates, the best approximation possible is of the order of 20,000 families* or less than one-half of 1 per cent. of all working families. Estimates for the previous year are not significantly different.

* Normally in full-time employment and not receiving FIS but with incomes below FIS level.