§ Mr. MeacherTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what has been the percentage increase in the total number of benefit claimants between 1979–80 and 1989–90; and if he will break this down to give the figures for(a) the elderly, (b) the sick and disabled, (c) families, (d) unemployed people, (e) widows and orphans and (f) others.
§ Mr. Scott[holding answer 5 March 1990]: I refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Norfolk, North (Mr. Howell) on 12 February at columns 84–85. Information is not available in the form requested, since claimants may receive more than one benefit at any one time.