§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he proposes to take with regard to the employment of Mrs. Madine, a social security officer in Bristol, who was recently convicted of helping a claimant falsely to obtain supplementary benefit payments.
§ Mr. PrenticeMrs. Madine was suspended without pay once she was charged with this offence. Now that she has been convicted, the question of her suitability for continued employment in the Department—which is, of course, a matter for its permanent head—is being considered in accordance with our standing procedure for such cases.