HC Deb 25 February 2004 vol 418 cc480-1W
Chris Ruane

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what percentage of the population of England and Wales was claiming Incapacity Benefit on the latest date for which figures are available;(a) how many people in and (b) what percentage of the population of each ward in each principal seaside town in England and Wales receive Incapacity Benefit, listed in descending order, with figures for Welsh seaside town clusters disaggregated; and if he will make statement. [154958]

Maria Eagle

There were 2,378,900 people claiming Incapacity Benefit (including Severe Disablement Allowance) in England and Wales as of 31 August 2003. This accounts for 5.7 per cent. of the population over 16-years-old.

The available information has been placed in the Library.

Source:

DWP Information Centre, 5 per cent. sample.