asked the Secretary of State for Social Services in which year the £4 earnings disregard was introduced for disabled workers in sheltered workshops and work centres; and what would be the amount, based on November prices, of the £4 earnings disregard for workers in section 2 employment if it were to have the same value in real terms as it did when introduced.

The £4 supplementary benefit earnings disregard was introduced in 1975. The amount needed to give an equivalent value in October 1979–the latest month for which figures are at present available—would be £6·54.