§ Mr. Kenneth Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many holidaymakers stranded in Great Britain as a result of spending all their cash were given social security funds to travel home in July and August of this year; what was the total amount of such payments; how much has been repaid; and what is the statutory or other legal authority for the making of such payments out of public funds.
§ Mr. DeakinsThe Supplementary Benefits Commission has a discretionary power under Section 13 of the Supplementary Benefit Act 1966 to pay benefit in an urgent case. Stranded people may be helped if there would otherwise be hardship; repayment of any money advanced is considered wherever appropriate. Cases are very few and no special records are kept.