§ Mr. Jim Marshallasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how long information obtained from persons claiming supplementary benefit is kept before being destroyed.
§ Mr. DeakinsInformation obtained from persons claiming supplementary benefit is kept for 18 months after the date of the last claim, when it is destroyed; the retention period may be longer in cases of fraud or overpayment.
§ Mr. Jim Marshallasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will issue advice to investigating officers interviewing claimants for supplementary benefit concerning the questions to be asked on the claimants sexual activities and questions asked in an attempt to determine the claimant's mental condition.
§ Mr. OrmeI have no reason to think that the instructions already given by the Supplementary Benefits Commission to its interviewing officers are inadequate; but I should be pleased to look into any case of difficulty that my hon. Friend may have in mind.