§ 24. Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many persons are now in receipt of supplementary benefit; and how many of the total are of pensionable age.
§ Mrs. ChalkerAbout 3.3 million in February 1981, the latest date for which information is available, of whom about 1.7 million were over pensionable age.
§ 36. Mr. Andrew F. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is satisfied with the working of the supplementary benefit scheme introduced in November 1980; and if he has any proposals to modify the scheme.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe indications are that, in general, the November 1980 reforms are working well, but we are watching their operation carefully. We propose to correct some technical defects in the regulations by means of amending regulations to be laid before Parliament soon. Our arrangements for review include both the commissioning of external research and a programme of internal monitoring.