Hansard

Written Answers

Volume 395: debated on Tuesday 25 July 1978

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Written Answers

Supplementary Benefit Statistics

Lord VAIZEY

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is the number and percentage of Supplementary Benefit claimants whose income is:

  • (a) At the Supplmentary Benefit scale rate;
  • (b) Within 5 per cent., of the Supplementary Benefit scale rate;
  • (c) Over 5 per cent., but less than 10 per cent., of the Supplementary Benefit scale rate;
  • (d) Over 10 per cent., but less than 15 per cent., of the Supplementary Benefit scale rate;
  • (e) Over 20 per cent., of the Supplementary Benefit scale rate.

    • Lord WELLES-PESTELL

    The following information relates to December 1976:—

    Relationship of income (1) to supplementary benefit (SB) level (2)Supplementary Benefit recipients (3)
    Number (000's)Percentage
    Below SB level (4)602
    At SB level93033
    Above SB level but not more than 5 per cent.59021
    More than 5 per cent, but nor more than 10 per cent, above SB level48017
    More than 10 per cent, but not more than 15 per cent, above SB level … … …29010
    More than 15 per cent, but not more than 20 per cent, above SB level1505
    More than 20 per cent, above SB level25012

    Notes:

    (1) Income after deduction of housing costs.

    (2) The supplementary benefit level (100 per cent.).

  • (a) excludes rent addition, exceptional circumstances additions, attendance requirements.
  • (b) uses ordinary scale rates for all persons under pension age and long-term rates for those over pension age without regard to whether the person is blind, over 80 or is on the long-term scale while under pension age.

    • (3) Figures exclude boarders and persons living in institutions.

    (4) Includes, for example, cases with reduced allowance due to voluntary unemployment.

    Post Office Recruitment And Immigrants

    Lord BROCKWAY

    asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether, in view of the Department of Employment guideline that its officers should as a rule refrain from asking for passports, they will advise the postal authorities in Birmingham to cease refusing employment to Commonwealth immigrants when a passport is not produced.

    Lord WINTERBOTTOM

    I understand that the Post Office guidelines for the recruitment of employees are currently under review to take account of points such as the one made by the noble Lord.House adjourned at eleven minutes past six o'clock.