HC Deb 31 January 1978 vol 943 cc105-6W
Mr. Kenneth Clarke

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will update the information on the payment of supplementary benefit given to the hon. Member for Rushcliffe, Official Report, 14th January 1976, column 185.

Mr. Orme

Supplementary benefit appeal tribunals may make directions under Section 10 of the Supplementary Benefits Act 1976, but it is for the Supplementary Benefits Commission to decide whether payment of benefit should be stopped in any case where a claimant refuses to take up a place at a re-establishment centre. Such cases are known

ment pensions of persons who spend more than eight weeks in Hospital.

Mr. Orme

The deductions after eight weeks from the benefit of hospital inpatients receiving free maintenance are to take account of home saving. The estimated cost in 1978, at current pension rates, of ceasing to make the deductions from retirement pensions is about £50 million.