§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what has been the percentage increase from June 1975 to June 1979 in the benefit paid to a person with a wife and two children aged 10 and 12 years dependent on (a) the ordinary rate of supplementary benefit, and (b) the long-term rate, and how this compares with (i) the percentage increase in average gross earnings over the same period and (ii) the take-home pay of a married couple with two children with (a) average earnings, (b) half average earnings, and (c) three times average earnings.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe information which relates to average earnings between June 1975 and March 1979 (the latest figures available) is as follows:
Increase per cent Income on Supplementary Benefit (1) on — ordinary rate 61.3 — long term rate 65.0 Average Gross Earnings (2) 59.6 Net Earnings (3) on — Average earnings 65.0 — half average earnings 66.7 — three times average earnings 62.7 Notes (1) Using average rent addition for supplementary allowances cases in May 1975 and November 1978 respectively. (2) Estimates of average earnings of full adult male employees from New Earnings Survey published by the Department of Employment. (3) Gross earnings less National Insurance Contribution and Income Tax, but plus Child Benefit.