To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the total amount paid out in housing benefit in (a) 1974, (b) 1979, (c) 1988, (d) 1992, (e) 1993, (f) 1994, (g) 1995 and (h) 1996. [6680]

Our objective is to reduce poverty and welfare dependency and to promote work incentives. We will develop a system that supports work, savings and honesty.The information is set out in the table:

Housing Benefit expenditure	£ million
1974–75	1237
1979–80	11,238
1988–89	3,763
1992–93	7,901
1993–94	9,213

Our objectives is to reduce poverty and welfare dependency and to promote work incentives. One of our first steps is to focus on helping people off welfare and into work.The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the table.

Housing Benefit expenditure	£ million
1994–95	10,120
1995–96	10,885
1996–97	11,523

1. The current housing benefit scheme was introduced in April 1988. The 1974–75 and 1979–80 figures are an approximation of the housing benefit expenditure component of supplementary benefit.2. Figures for 1988–89 to 1996–97 are taken from the 1997 DSS departmental report and show total expenditure paid by local authorities in the relevant years.