§ Mr. Sproatasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if every case in which it is alleged that a Giro cheque in respect of social security benefits is missing, is fully investigated before a further cheque in respect of the same benefit is issued; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. OrmeI would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend's reply to the right hon. Member for Wanstead220W and Woodford (Mr. Jenkin) on 27th October.
Replacement of Giro cheques reported as not received, lost or stolen is not normally considered until seven weeks have elapsed from the date of issue, the time normally required for actual encashment to come to light through the accounting system. Exceptions are made only to meet need where hardship would otherwise arise. Every case where the original lost Giro cheque is found cashed after it has been fully or partly replaced is fully investigated.—[Vol. 918, c. 297–9.]