To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to his answer of 19 May 2003, Official Report, columns 636–37W, ref 112670, what the (a) cost is and (b) how many beneficiaries there are of extending the carers premium to those with an established entitlement to carers allowance who are in receipt of a basic state pension but no other benefit that would disqualify the beneficiary by virtue of the overlapping benefit rules. [115917]

People in receipt of basic state pension who are entitled to, but not receiving the carers allowance because of the overlapping benefit rules are able to receive a carer premium in the minimum income guarantee.