The Rt. Hon. Sir John Major KG CH

Prime Minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 1990-1997

1983-1987 Parliament

Mr Major’s Written Parliamentary Answer on Supplementary Benefit – 12 November 1985

Below is the text of Mr Major’s written Parliamentary Answer on Supplementary Benefit on 12th November 1985.


Mrs. Beckett Asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will now withdraw the Supplementary Benefit (Requirements and Resources) Miscellaneous Provisions Regulations (S.I. 1985, No. 613).

Mr. Newton I refer the hon. Member to the announcement made in the House yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services.

Mr. Nellist Asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people are currently in receipt of supplementary benefit in the city of Coventry; and how this compares with 1979.

Mr. Major The city of Coventry is covered by two offices of the Department, Coventry east and Coventry west, but their boundaries are not conterminous with the city of Coventry. The total number of persons in receipt of supplementary benefit on 30 July 1985 (the latest figures available), and 25 December 1979 – the earliest figures available for that year – were:

Year | Coventry East | Coventry West

30 July 1985 | 22,795 | 18,527

25 December 1979 | 12,078 | 9,876

Source: 100 per cent. count of cases in action.