HC Deb 28 January 1997 vol 289 cc188-9W
21. Mr. Benton

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the current proportion of children living in households dependent on income support; and what it was in 1979. [11389]

Mr. Roger Evans

The latest estimate is that 25.3 per cent. of children in Great Britain live in families receiving income support. A direct comparison with 1979 is not possible.

Notes:

1. Percentages are rounded to one decimal place.

2. Sample size 5 per cent.

3. Children are defined as aged 15 and under.

4. Percentages reflect the number of children in families receiving income support as a proportion of all children aged under 16 in Great Britain, based on ONS 1995 mid-term estimates of the population.

Source:

Income Support Statistics Quarterly Enquiry May 1995.

Office of National Statistics mid-term estimates of the population 1995.

24. Mr. Nigel Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will give the latest estimate of the numbers of senior citizens who may be eligible for income support and other allowances but who failed to claim these benefits. [11396]

Mr. Burt

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Great Grimsby (Mr. Mitchell) earlier today.

Mr. Roy Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the level of waste in respect of income support payments. [11371]

Mr. Evans

I refer the hon. Member to the oral answer I gave the hon. Member for Ilford, South (Mr. Gapes) earlier today.