Mr. R. C. Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many people he estimates will be better off receiving supplementary benefit rather than rent and rate rebates consequent upon the removal of the electricity discount scheme; how many extra staff his Department will need in order to undertake the necessary individual calcluations; and how soon he expects these calculatons to be completed;
(2) how many people he estimates will United States of America, which increases be better off receiving supplementary benefit rather than rent and rate rebates consequent upon the elimination of the parental income scale for school meals envisaged in the Education (No. 2) Bill; and how many extra staff his Department will need to undertake the necessary individual calculations.
§ Mrs. ChalkerI shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.