§ Mr. Michael Marshallasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his Department's estimate of the minimum sum necessary to feed, house and clothe (a) a single person, (b) a married couple and (c) a married couple with two children.
§ Mr. OrmeMy Department does not make such estimates, because they would involve too much subjective judgment. The supplementary benefit ordinary scale rates are intended to cover all normal day-to-day living expenses other than rent. These weekly rates are as follows:
£ Married Couple 20.65 Single householder 12.70 Other persons (including dependent children): 18 and over 10.15 16–17 7.80 13–15 6.50 11–12 5.35 5–10 4.35 Under 5 3.60