§ Mrs. Chalkerasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many Service men have claimed (a) family income supplement, (b) rent rebates and allowances, (c) rate rebates, and (d) supplementary benefit, including exceptional needs payments, in each of the last four years.
§ Dr. GilbertFamily income supplement is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services, who, I understand, is replying to a separate Question on this subject addressed to him by the hon. Member. Supplementary benefit is intended for those not in full-time work. Service men are therefore not eligible. The figures for Service men in receipt of rent and rate rebates vary considerably during the year, but the average figures over the last four years are as follows:
1974 7,014 1975 6,976 1976 7,214 1977 8,030