Supplementary Benefit

HC Deb 06 April 1982 vol 21 cc296-7W

27. Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the present number of people drawing supplementary benefit.

Mr. Newton

I refer the right hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Members for Oldham, West (Mr. Meacher) and Walsall, North (Mr. Winnick) earlier today.

28. Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what calculation his Department has made of the additional amount of supplementary benefit that will be payable as a result of discontinuing earnings related supplement to unemployment pay.

Mr. Newton

It is estimated that additional expenditure on supplementary benefit resulting from the abolition of earnings-related supplement to unemployment benefit will be of the order of £120 million in 1982–83.