§ Sir Brandon Rhys Williamsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many persons, at the latest date for which figures are available, were living in families with incomes below supplementary benefit level, distinguishing between (a) those without entitlement to supplementary benefit and (b) those with entitlement but who failed to claim supplementary benefit.
200W
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe latest estimates of the numbers of persons living in families with incomes below supplementary benefit levels were published in tables 47.07 and47.08 ofSocial Security Statistics 1981. The latest estimates of the numbers of families entitled to supplementary benefit, but not receiving it, were published in the 1978 annual report of the former Supplementary Benefits Commission. Copies of both publications are in the Library of the House.
These estimates were based on an analysis of the 1977 family expenditure survey data. Corresponding estimates based on an analysis of the 1979 family expenditure survey data are expected to be available in a few weeks' time. I regret that I could not justify the cost of further analyses of these data in the form requested at (a) and (b) of my hon. Friend's question.