§ 21. Mr. Robert Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied with the use of their discretionary powers by staff of the Department of Health and Social Security when dealing with applications for assistance.
§ Mr. Deakins:I am satisfied that, in this difficult area of discretionary payments, staff conscientiously apply their judgment to the facts of individual cases in the light of guidance laid down by the Supplementary Benefits Commission.