§ 1. Mr. BellTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what are the costs of administering the social fund expressed as a percentage of the money disbursed in the last year for which figures are available.
§ The Minister for Social Security and Disabled People (Mr. Nicholas Scott)In 1992–93, the overall cost of administering the social fund was equivalent to 52 per cent. of the money paid out.
§ Mr. BellI am grateful to the Minister for that reply. He might have continued and said that if one takes into account loans made to claimants, the figure is 35p in the pound. Is he satisfied with both figures? The Social Security Advisory Committee clearly is not—and if it is not satisfied, why is the Minister satisfied? Is there value for money or is money going into bureaucracy? Why does not the Minister give us a full report and undertake a full review so that we can all debate the issue?
§ Mr. ScottIn my view, the social fund represents good value for money. It provides control over the totality of 2 expenditure in the interests of the taxpayer. It is well targeted on those who need most help and the decisions are made with considerable speed.