asked the Minister for Social Welfare for the most recent date (a) the number of recipients of supplementary welfare allowance, (b) the numbers who were in receipt of other social welfare payments and (c) the average supplementary welfare payment in the case of (a) and (b).
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Payments.
*108.
On 28 October 1978, the latest date for which complete returns are available, the figures were as follows:— (a) 14,642; (b) 6,657 (this figure comprises all persons receiving a weekly allowance as a supplement or addition to their other income. Separate records are not kept of persons in receipt of other social welfare payments); (c) £9.08 and £2.42 in respect of (a) and (b) respectively.
In addition to the number given at (a), approximately 9,300 persons were receiving a fuel or heating supplement. Most of these would also be receiving some social welfare payment.