§ Mr. Winnickasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many persons who are (a) of working age and (b) pensioners are now in receipt of supplementary benefit from his Department's offices in the West Midlands; what were the numbers in May 1979; and if he will give the change in percentage terms.
§ Mr. NewtonThe numbers of persons receiving supplementary benefit in the West Midlands social security region in May 1979 and at the latest available date are as follows:
May 1979 December 1981 Percentage change (a) Working age 113,000 219,000 94 per cent increase (b) Pension age 175,000 170,000 3 per cent increase Source: Quarterly statistical enquiries.