Mr Major’s Written Parliamentary Answer on Benefits – 20 May 1986

Below is the text of Mr Major’s written Parliamentary Answer on Benefits on 20th May 1986.

Mr. Evans Asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will estimate the amount of money saved by his Department each year by the failure of people to claim benefits for which they would be eligible.

Mr. Major [pursuant to his reply, 19 May 1986]: No estimates are available for unemployment benefit. For supplementary benefit payable to the unemployed (including appropriate housing costs) it is estimated, on 1981 family expenditure survey data, that £410 million was unclaimed throughout the year.