§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many old people in Scotland were lifted off supplementary benefit when the housing benefit scheme was introduced.
§ Dr. BoysonIt is estimated that about 17,000 supplementary pensioners in Scotland were floated off supplementary benefit with the introduction of housing benefits in April 1983, but about three quarters of these would be eligible for housing benefit supplement.
§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many pensioner households lost all entitlement to receive help with housing costs due to the higher tapers introduced in the housing benefit scheme.
§ Dr. BoysonI refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Brighton, Kemptown (Mr. Bowden) on 5 December 1983.—[Vol. 50, c.61–2.]