§ Mr. MeacherTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his latest estimate of the number of(a) elderly people, (b) sick and disabled people, (c) unemployed people, (d) one-parent families, (e) others and (f) total in receipt of income support, giving the date to which his estimates apply.
§ Mr. ScottThe latest available information, which relates to May 1989, is as follows:
214W
Number of income support claimants (thousands) Elderly people1 1,557 Sick and disabled people2 291 Unemployed people 1,254 One-parent families 741 Others 321 Total in receipt of income support 4,164 1Aged 60 or over.
2 In receipt of a disability premium.
§ Ms. ShortTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security whether those under 18 years of age who are entitled to income support and required to be available for work are also required to meet the full demands of the actively seeking work test; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ScottIrrespective of age, anyone claiming income support because of unemployment, who is required to be available for work, has also to meet the "actively seeking employment" test.