HC Deb 18 December 1980 vol 996 cc300-1W
Mr. Carmichael

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if there is any evidence to show a co-relationship between levels of non-uptake of benefit and staffing levels in district offices.

Mrs. Chalker

I am not aware of any such evidence.

Mr. Carmichael

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many claims he estimates have been received as a result of the recent uptake campaigns conducted by some Scottish local authorities; how long on average it has taken for decisions to be made on these claims; and how many have been successful.

Mrs. Chalker

Approximately 28,000 claims for benefit were received as a result of the recent campaigns by some Scottish local authorities. Information on the time taken to clear these claims and the success rate is not available and would be obtained only at disproportionate cost. About 1,000 claims have still to be cleared.