§ Mr. Winnickasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people were receiving supplementary benefit at his Department's offices in the west midlands in May 1979 and in September 1983; and what percentage increase there has been.
§ Mr. NewtonThe total number of supplementary benefit cases in action at the west midlands local offices, and the percentage increase for May 1979 and August 1983, the latest available period, was as follows:
Total cases (thousands) Increase Percentage May 1979 286.6 175.5 August 1983 789.7 175.5 Source: 100 per cent. count of cases in action.