HC Deb 20 May 1991 vol 191 cc385-6W
20. Sir William Shelton

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what would be the cost of converting all social fund loans to grants.

Mr. Scott

As at 31 March 1991 the accumulated net cost of outstanding loans over the lifetime of the fund stands at £142 million. This is the difference between gross loans expenditure up to 31 March and recoveries repaid at that date. This represents the cost to the taxpayer of writing off all current loan debt.

21. Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the social fund budgets for Finsbury Park and Highgate offices for 1989–90, 1990–91 and 1991–92.

Mr Scott

Information concerning the social fund budgets of particular offices is in the Library.

Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what the net Treasury input to the social fund has been each year since its inception and in the current year.

Mr. Scott

Social fund net expenditure is as follows:

Year £m
1988–89 152
1989–90 131
1990–91 1156
1991–92 1161
1 The figure quoted for 1990–91 is provisional.
2 The figure quoted for 1991–92 is the estimated net provision.