Treasury and Work and Pensions

I am grateful to the Secretary of State for giving way. Since he said a few moments ago that there had been no increase at all in those living below 40 per cent. of median earning, perhaps I could quote him the precise figures. In 1996-97, 2.4 million people were living below 40 per cent. of median earnings, but in 2004-05, which is the last year for which figures are available, that number was 2.81 million. That is an increase of 410,000—not no increase at all.