§ Mr. Squireasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when the S manual will be published; and what arrangements will be made for the public to inspect and obtain copies.
§ Mrs. ChalkerI regret that the S manual is taking longer to overhaul and revise than was first expected. It is a considerable task, but I hope that the manual will be published by about the middle of 1982. When published it will incorporate the guidance of the chief supplementary benefit officer, but, in the meantime, this is being published separately and can be purchased from the Department's distribution unit at Canon's Park. Members of the public will be able to inspect the S manual in local social security offices as soon as it has been published. It will also be possible to purchase copies, and to pay an annual subscription for subsequent amendments and related circulars. A copy will be made available—and kept up to date—in the Library of the House.