HC Deb 28 October 1982 vol 29 c499W
Mr. Field

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will update the information on the number of prosecutions for failure to maintain given to the hon. Member for Birkenhead on 21 May 1981,Official Report,c. 159.

Mr. Rossi

Under section 25 of the Supplementary Benefits Act 1976, persons may be prosecuted if they persistently refuse or neglect to maintain themselves or their dependants. In 1981, five claimants were prosecuted under this section.