§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what national newspaper or television advertising has already been carried out by his Department to inform or explain to the public the current social security rule changes; whether any such advertising is to be carried out and at what cost; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PortilloIn the period between July 1986, when the Social Security Act became law, and March 1988, the end of the 1987–88 financial year, £1.41 million was spent on advertising. The split between television and press advertising was as follows:
£ thousands TV Press General reform advertising — 243 Pensions 64 141 Maternity benefits — 344 Housing benefits — 55 Family credit 322 — Income support — 126 Widows benefits — 49 Funeral benefits — 59 Planned spending in the 1988–89 financial year is approximately £5 million. The split between television and press advertising of expenditure already committed is as follows:
£ thousands TV Press Pensions 1,162 286 Housing benefits — 263 Family credit 2,106 709