§ Mr. Roweasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what is his best estimate of the numbers off people currently in board and lodging accommodation who will leave their present accommodation as a result of the coming into force on 28 April 1986 of the maximum prescribed in the regulations;
(2) what is his best estimate of the numbers of people currently in board and lodging at rates above the maximum prescribed in the regulations.
§ Mr. NewtonInformation is not available in the precise form requested. However, I assume that my hon. Friend is concerned with the position of people in receipt of supplementary benefit as boarders at 28 April 1985 who received transitional protection for one year of the amount in payment at that time. The object of such protection was to give the people concerned ample time to make alternative arrangements. However, if for any reason anyone who received protection for a period up to a year has difficulty in meeting his charges as a result of the ending of protection at the end of April next year, it is open to local authorities, charitable bodies or others to top up the then prevailing maximum without affecting the claimant's benefit. My right hon. Friend also now has power, in circumstances of exceptional hardship, to extend the period of transitional protection beyond one year.
§ Mr. Roweasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many establishments offering board and lodging currently charge more than the prescribed maximum.
§ Mr. NewtonI regret that it is not practicable to give this information, since it would involve, among other things, establishing the charges of every hotel in the country.