HC Deb 05 February 1985 vol 72 cc524-5W
Mr. Pike

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what percentage of those in employment now receive family income supplement: and what was the comparable figure in 1979.

Mr. Whitney

Of the total number of those in employment at September 1979 and September 1984, the number in receipt of family income supplement (FIS) at those dates represent 0.3 per cent. and 0.8 per cent. respectively.

It should be noted that the numbers in employment include categories who would not be eligible for FIS, for example part-time workers and people without children. The numbers in these categories are not separately available. The numbers of those in employment also include separately husbands and wives where both are working, whereas the couple represent a single family unit for FIS purposes.