§ Mr. Ralph Howellasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his latest estimate of the number of taxpayers who are also entitled to means-tested benefits.
§ Mr. Peter ReesThe total number of taxpayers entitled to one or more of the benefits is not known, but the following estimates relating to some of the main benefits taken separately may be helpful. The estimates are not precise but are believed to be of the right order of magnitude. They should not be added together, because the same beneficiaries can be included under more than one heading.
Family Income Supplement 80,000 Rent Rebates and Allowances 900,000 Rate Rebates* 1,500,000 Free School Meals 800,000 Free Welfare Milk 275,000 * Including most of those who are also eligible for rent rebates or allowances.