§ 41. Mr. Gerald HowarthTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many different benefits are included in the existing social security system.
§ Mr. PortilloThe exact number depends on somewhat arbitrary assumptions about what is or is not a separate benefit where individual payments are closely related (for example, constant attendance allowance can be paid to people in receipt of industrial injuries disablement benefit or war disablement pension).
The leaflet "Which Benefit" (FB2) published by the Department—a copy of which is held in the Library— lists 34 different benefits.
§ 80. Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what account he proposes to take, in fixing benefit rates, of the increase in electricity charges to be introduced in 1988.
§ Mr. ScottThe uprating of social security benefits which will take place in April 1988 takes account of price changes, including those in fuel costs, between September 1986 and September 1987. The uprating in April 1989 will have regard to price increases in the 12-month period from September 1987 and will therefore take account of any increase in electricity charges in April 1988.