asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) under what circumstances his Department makes grants to squatters or on behalf of squatters, in respect of telephone bills; how many such payments were made in 1976; and what was the total cost to public funds;(2) under what circumstances his Department makes grants to squatters, or on behalf of squatters, in respect of bed and bedding; how many such payments were made in 1976; what was the total cost to public funds; and whether the circumstances regarding such grants have changed within the last 12 months;(3) under what circumstances his Department makes grants to squatters, or on behalf of squatters, in respect of essential furniture, other than beds and bedding; how many such payments were made in 1976; what was the total cost to public funds; and whether circumstances regarding such grants have changed in the last 12 months;(4) under what circumstances his Department makes grants to squatters, or on behalf of squatters, in respect of gas bills; how many such payments were made in 1976; what was the total cost to public funds; and whether circumstances regarding such grants have changed in the last 12 months;(5) under what circumstances his Department makes grants to squatters, or on behalf of squatters, in respect of electricity bills; how many such payments were made in 1976; what was the total cost to public funds; and whether circumstances regarding such grants have changed in the last 12 months.

Claims from so-called "squatters" are decided, like all claims, according to the circumstances of the individual case and are not recorded separately. The Supplementary Benefits Commission's policies on exceptional needs payments are set out in its handbook and in its Administration Paper (No. 4) on this subject, copies of which are in the Library.