asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many of the 50,000 families with incomes below the official poverty line as mentioned in her answer of 3rd December 1974, draw (a) family income supplement, (b) rent rebates or allowances, and (c) both.

It is probable that in December 1973 very few families with incomes below supplementary benefit level were in receipt of either family income supplement or a rate rebate or allowance. It is most unlikely that such families were receiving both benefits. More precise answers cannot be given, because the estimate of 50,000 was based on a small sample.