HC Deb 18 May 1978 vol 950 cc302-3W
Mr. Banks

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the numbers of Service men in each of the Services who are in receipt of social security payments for the support of their families.

Dr. Gilbert

The following are the latest available figures for Service men in each Service in receipt of rent and rate rebatesRoyal Navy (11th April), 532; Army (5th April), 8,913; Royal Air Force (31st March), 2,495. These totals are expected to fall with the implementation of the recent pay award.

Other social security benefits for which Service men may be eligible are the responsibility of my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Social Services or, in the case of free school meals, the Secretary of State for Education and Science.