asked the Minister of Social Security how much the last increase in supplementary benefits cost in the first full year; and how much the previous increase cost.

The increase in supplementary benefits in October, 1967, would have cost about £40 million in a full year taken by itself, but as there was a larger increase in National Insurance benefits at the same time, there was a net saving of £23 million. The wide-ranging improvements introduced in November, 1966, when the supplementary benefit scheme replaced National Assistance, are estimated to have cost in all about £80 million in the first full year, including the payments made to the large number of claimants attracted by the new scheme.

Would not the Minister agree that, having pledged himself to help the poorest people in the community, these additional benefits have been lost through inflation?

No, they have not been lost at all. I advise the hon. Member to read last Friday morning's debate, in which he will find an ample answer.