§ 72. Mr. Litterickasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many applications for benefits were handled by the Northfield, Birmingham, office of his Department during the last complete year for which this information is available and during the year before.
§ Mr. DeakinsThe number of applications for the benefits listed below in the two years ending on 4th October 1977 is as follows:
1975–76 1976–77 Sickness benefit 37,676 35,398 Injury benefit 1,827 1,996 Maternity benefit 2,545 2,451 Disablement benefit 384 360 Retirement pension 3,170 2,866 Widows benefit 523 451 Death grant 2,621 2,347 Family allowance/child benefit 1,784 2,550 Supplementary benefit 20,919 16,039 There was a reduction in the area served by this office in May 1977.