HC Deb 02 December 1981 vol 14 c158W
Mr. Bowden

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many pensioners are in receipt of a supplementary pension.

Mrs. Chalker

On February 1981 the number of supplementary pensioners was 1,692,000—excluding wives. There was also a small number of people over retirement age receiving supplementary allowance—6,000 in December 1980.

Source: February 1980 quarterly inquiry.

Mr. Foulkes

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many pensioners do not claim the supplementary pension to which they are entitled.

Mrs. Chalker

In 1977 it was estimated that on average about 610,000 pensioners were eligible for supplementary pension but did not claim it; the average amount unclaimed was estimated at £3.10 weekly. More recent figures, based on the 1979 family expenditure survey, are being calculated and will be available shortly.