asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will estimate how many men under the age of 65 and over the age of 60 and 63 years respectively are living in development areas and are drawing unemployment pay, supplementary benefit or sickness benefit; what is the total cost of such benefits; and what would be the net cost to public funds if they were all allowed to draw retirement pension.

I will write to the hon. Member when the information has been compiled.