HC Deb 14 June 1994 vol 244 c361W
Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the number of(a) men and (b) women living in the London borough of Wandsworth who were refused income support during 1993 because they were regarded as not being actively seeking work.

Mr. Burt

The information is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Dr. Wright

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security from what date the Benefits Agency adopted the policy of making special payments if a claim for benefit is delayed six months beyond the management target for dealing with such claims; and how much has been paid out from that date.

Mr. Burt

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend, the Member for Fulham (Mr. Carrington) on 4 May 1993, at column10. Details of payments made for the year ending 31 March 1994 have not yet been collated.

Mrs. Mahon

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what restrictions are placed on unemployed adults studying for less than 21 hours per week while in receipt of income 'support.

Mr. Burt

People attending a part-time course of not more than 21 hours a week may, under certain circumstances, continue to receive income support but only if they are continuing to make a sustained effort each week to find a job and are prepared to leave the course immediately a suitable vacancy becomes available.