HC Deb 07 February 1977 vol 925 cc569-70W
Mr. Arnold

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in cases of payment of supplementary benefit for rate demand, he will ensure that such payment is made directly to the rating authority.

Mr. Orme

Direct payment in every case is not possible within existing legislation or staff resources. The Supplementary Benefits Commission will authorize

number of people registered as unemployed on 2nd August 1976, about 18 per cent. were then in receipt of neither unemployment benefit nor supplementary benefit.

Mr. George Rodgers

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what percentage of those registered as unemployed are in receipt of earnings related supplement payments at the most recent date for which the information is available.

Mr. Orme

Just over 20 per cent., as at 3rd May 1976.

Mr. George Rodgers

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what percentage of the number of people who are unemployed are in receipt of unemployment benefit at the most recent date for which the information is available.

Mr. Orme

About 39 per cent., as at 2nd August 1976.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the number of unemployed claimants drawing supplementary benefit who have been unemployed for (a) less than three months, (b) from three to eight months, (c) from six to 12 months and (d) over 12 months, for each year since 1974, including the current year.

Mr. Orme

On the basis of a 5 per cent. sample—4 per cent. in 1976—the information is as follows:

direct payment where there is persistent default.