HC Deb 12 February 1985 vol 73 cc150-1W
16 Mr. Greenway

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the level of allowances payable for clothing, beds and bedding to pensioners and people on supplementary benefit.

Mr. Whitney

The amounts allowable for clothing and bedding are set out in schedules 1 and 2 to the Supplementary Benefit (Single Payments) Regulations 1981 (as amended) which are reproduced as appendix 7 of the supplementary benefit "S" manual—copies of both are in the Library. They are based on the results of an annual empirical study of prices obtaining in national chain stores and high street shops, and mail order catalogues. Awards for beds and mattresses are normally based on the cost of a locally obtainable new item.

40. Mr. Fatchett

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has received any recent representations in relation to entitlement to single payments of supplementary benefit in the context of an industrial dispute; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Newton

We have not received any recent representations on this topic.

47. Mr. Andrew F. Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what evidence he has about the number of students drawing supplementary benefit and studying under the 21-hour or 12-hour rules.

Mr. Whitney

Records are not kept centrally but there are indications that the number has increased since the Youthaid organisation estimated a figure of about 10,000 in 1982–83.

Mr. Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the capital limit at which an individual is not eligible for supplementary benefit; and when the figure was last reviewed.

Mr. Whitney

The capital limit above which supplementary benefit is not payable is £3,000. It was raised to this level from 21 November 1983.