§ Mr. Jim Marshallasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many claims for benefit for payment of rent and rate arrears have been made by persons remanded in custody awaiting trial and subsequently found not guilty, or by per. sons given a non-custodial sentence, foe each of the past three years; and how many of such claims were successful.
§ Mrs. ChalkerI regret that this information is not available. Where the accommodation was unoccupied during the tenant's remand in custody, the Supplementary Benefits Commission would consider a payment towards arrears of rent and rates only in very exceptional circumstances. But the wife of a person remanded in custody may claim supplementary benefit, including assistance towards rent and rates, in the normal way.