HC Deb 05 July 1976 vol 914 cc433-4W
Dr. Phipps

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will institute a system whereby maintenance payments to wives are paid by his Department so that recovery of arrears will be the responsibility of his Department.

Service in 1974 and 1975 gave rise to the holding of special inquiries.

Dr. Owen

The numbers of written complaints about the National Health Service in England in 1974 are set out below. Independent inquiries were held in nine cases. Numbers for 1975 are not yet available. Information concerning the National Health Service in Wales is a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

Mr. Orme

No. The Supplementary Benefits Commission in effect already guarantees the maintenance of women receiving supplementary benefit.