HC Deb 14 November 1983 vol 48 c332W
Mr. Gordon Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish in the Official Report a table setting out savings in social security benefit expenditure, on the lines of table 1.5 of the Social Security Advisory Committee's first report, for the years 1983–84 and 1984–85, taking account of policy decisions since that report was published.

Dr. Boyson

The table of savings referred to by the hon. Member was based on figures which were intended to give a broad indication of the overall savings arising from measures taken to limit the growth in social security expenditure. The original estimates have not been recalculated in detail because of subsequent changes and their complex interaction. To revise all the data for estimates made some time ago, taking account of developments since then, would require considerable work the cost of which could not be justified. No policy changes leading to major savings have been made since the Social Security Advisory Committee's first report was published in March 1982.