asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his latest estimate of the number of people drawing rent and rate rebates and rent allowances; how many of these were families with dependent children; and what are the comparable figures for each year since 1970.

Following is the available information:ing is the information for the last three years; the figures are expressed at outturn prices for the year in question.

1975–76	1976–77	1977–78
£375,000	£625,000	£1,000,000

The allocation for 1976–77 includes additional funds made available during the year as part of the Government's counter-unemployment measures. My right hon. Friend announced on 2nd May that an additional £25 million would be made available for similiar purposes in the current year but the allocation of this additional sum to local authorities has not yet been made.