§ Mr. Ralph Howellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish a table similar to table 10 of the Supplementary Benefits Commission annual report for 1975, but for the years 1948, 1956, 1964, 1972 and 1980, showing supplementary benefit levels, including the appropriate rent addition, as percentages of net incomes at two-thirds average male manual earnings, with net incomes defined as gross earnings plus family allowance or child benefit, family income supplement and housing rebates, less income tax, national insurance contribution and the same rent and rates as those paid by the supplementary benefit recipients.
§ Mrs. ChalkerFollowing is the information for 1972 and 1980. I regret that information for previous years could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
Government policy on the supplementary benefit rule which requires unemployed young school leavers to wait until the end of the school holidays before qualifying.
§ Mrs. ChalkerSince the new scheme started, we have had about 200 letters from hon. Members, educational and career interests, and members of the public. There was also an Adjournment debate on this subject on 11 December 1980.—[Vol. 996, c. 1857–68.]