HC Deb 25 January 1995 vol 253 c272W
19. Mr. David Marshall

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his best estimate of the number of people in Scotland living in poverty; what plans he has to reduce this figure; and if he will make a statement.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

Statistics on patterns of household disposable income are provided in "Households Below Average Income 1979 to 1991–92", published in July last year. The best response to low household income is to sustain economic recovery and to assist those in greatest need. The Government's policies address both these aspects.