HC Deb 20 June 1984 vol 62 cc169-70W
Mr. Litherland

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many families with children are claiming supplementary benefit in the city of Manchester; what the figures are for the past three years; and how these figures compare with those for the rest of England and Wales.

Dr. Boyson

I shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.

Mr. Skinner

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people are claiming supplementary benefit at the latest available date compared to the figure for May 1979.

Dr. Boyson

4.3 million at December 1983, compared with 2.8 million at May 1979.

Sir Brandon Rhys

Williams asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his latest estimate of the numbers of (a) claimants and (b) persons dependent on supplementary benefit.

Dr. Boyson

(a) 4.3 million claimants; and (b) 7.2 million persons at December 1983.