§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what were the reasons for the low outturn of payments of the non-contributory pensioners' Christmas bonus in 1994–95. [17803]
§ Mr. HealdThe estimates for non-contributory Christmas bonus were based on previous projections of the demographic and case load data. The forecasts proved to be too high, resulting in an underspend against provision. However, the outturn for contributory Christmas bonus was greater than forecast, with the result that total out-turn on contributory and non-contributory Christmas bonus was in excess of forecast.