Supplementary Benefit

HC Deb 05 December 1985 vol 88 cc345-6W

Mr. Winnick

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will state the number of those of working age receiving supplementary benefit in (a) the United Kingdom, (b) the West Midlands region and (c) the Walsall area, the numbers in May 1979 and the percentage difference in the three groups.

Mr. Major

The information is as follows:

(thousands)
	May 1979	Latest available date	Percentage increase
United Kingdom	1,215	3,155	160
		(February 1985)
Midlands region*	204	584	186
		(July 1985)

	May 1979	Latest available date	Percentage increase
Local offices situates in Walsall	6.4	21.5	236
		(July 1985)

Source: United Kingdom figures:

Quarterly statistical inquiries. Midland region and Walsall figures: 100 per cent. count of cases in action at local offices.

^* Figures are for whole Midlands region, since the West Midland social security region no longer exists.