§ Sir Ian GilmourTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what are the most recent estimates for take-up of income support; and what are the comparable figures for supplementary benefit.
§ Mr. Peter LloydI refer my right hon. Friend to paragraphs 21 to 25 and table 15.17 on pages 272 and 273 of Cm. 288 (the 1988 public expenditure White Paper) for details of the latest available take-up estimates for the main income-related benefits. Take-up estimates for 1985 should be available shortly. In 1991, analyses from the 1989 family expenditure survey will provide comprehensive information on the reformed benefits introduced in April 1988.
§ Sir Ian GilmourTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if there are any circumstances in which a family with children where the father works irregularly may find themselves ineligible for either income support or family credit.
§ Mr. Peter LloydYes. To obtain family credit one parent must be normally engaged in work for at least 24 hours a week. If the employed parent works on average for less than 24 hours a week there would be no entitlement to family credit, but there might be entitlement to income support.