HC Deb 27 February 1992 vol 204 c601W
Mr. Meacher

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the spending on(a) disabled people's benefits and (b) retired people's benefit in (i) 1979–80, (ii) 1983–84, (iii) 1987–88 and (iv) 1991–92 at September 1991 prices.

Mr. Scott

Total benefit spending on long-term sick and disabled people and on elderly people, in cash and in 1991–92 prices, is given in the table.

Disabled people Elderly people
Cash £ million 1991–92 prices £ million Cash £ million 1991–92 prices £ million
1979–80 2.1 4.9 10.1 23.6
1983–84 4.1 6.6 17.7 28.2
1987–88 6.7 8.8 23.1 30.5
1991–92 12.3 12.3 31.4 31.4

Note: 1991–92 figures are estimated outturn.