HC Deb 18 February 1977 vol 926 cc398-9W
Mr. Sproat

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many Giro cheques issued in respect of necessary furniture by his Department were made out to the name of furniture dealers and how many to the name of the person due to receive the furniture;

(2) what was the largest amount paid in any one week in the last 12 months for which figures are available to any unemployed person in respect of supplementary benefit, including cash and kind;

(3) what was the largest amount paid by his Department in respect of any one electricity bill for a person on social security in 1976;

(4) what was the largest amount paid by his Department in respect of any one gas bill for a person on social security in 1976;

(5) how many exceptional needs grants in the last 12 months for which figures are available were over, respectively, £25, £50, £100, £150, £200, £250, £300, £400, and £500;

(6) what was the highest amount paid in the last 12 months for which figures are available to any one person or family in respect of exceptional needs grant; and what it was for;

(7) if he will list the top 20 items or needs for which exceptional needs grants were made in the last 12 months for which figures are available.

Mr. Orme

This information is not available, or would be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Mr. Sproat

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services why a social security benefit payment of £21.85 was made to a market trader who earns approximately £100 a week.

Mr. Orme

Without further details I cannot answer the hon. Member's Question.