HC Deb 20 February 1984 vol 54 c425W
Mr. Ralph Howell

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much money is currently spent in welfare benefits above the level which would be spent if 1979 values in real terms only were paid.

Dr. Boyson

Because of the substantial changes to the structure of social security since 1979, it is not possible to estimate such a figure unambiguously; and any estimates would involve a disproportionate cost to produce.