asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the estimated amount paid by the Supplementary Benefits Commission in Scotland in respect of rent for the latest period for which information is available.

A sample of cases taken in November, 1970, indicated that expenditure was then running at just under £19 million a year. Supplementary benefit rent additions include, by definition, rates and, in the case of owner-occupiers, provision for mortgage interest and an allowance for repairs and insurance.