§ Mr. David ShawTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the latest available information on the level of ownership among pensioners of(a) motor cars, (b) central heating, (c) telephones, (d) televisions, (e) personal computers or word processors, (f) housing, (g) washing machines, (h) dishwashers and (i) refrigerators; what were the figures for 1979; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HagueThe information requested is in the table.
Pensioner households—Ownership of goods Item 1979 Per cent 1992 Per cent Motor Cars 23 39 Central Heating 43 78 Telephones 50 90 Televisions 94 98 Personal Computers or word processors n/a 1
Year Local authority tenants All private tenants (a+b) Housing Association tenants(a) Other private tenants (b) 1990 22,507 3,708 — — 1991 23,581 4,410 — — 1992 24,780 5,288 2,560 2,838 Notes:
1. The information covers benefit units, and not individuals; couples are counted as one unit.
2. Discrete information on the numbers of Housing Association Tenants is available only from 1992. Prior to that date, the data is included with that of all Private Tenants.
3. The source of the data is the Housing Benefit Management Information System quarterly caseload returns for February, May, August and November for 1990, 1991 and 1992.