§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what provisions exist in his Department to accommodate the needs of social benefit recipients who cannot read or speak the English language, or who may be unable to write, in regard to the declarations they would otherwise be required to sign on receipt of such benefit payments.
§ Mrs. ChalkerHelp can usually be made available to claimants with little or no command of English from relatives or friends, advisory services or staff familiar with the language concerned. When a claimant is interviewed, it is usual for any declaration which he is to be required to sign to be read over to him. A claimant who cannot write his name will be invited to make a mark which the interviewing officer will witness. In Wales it is the practice to issue claims forms and leaflets dealing with the conditions for receipt of benefits written in English, but Welsh language equivalents are available and notices to that effect are displayed in all local social security offices in the Principality. Welsh-speaking members of staff can normally be called on to assist at interviews. Much of the public contact in local offices in Welsh-speaking areas is conducted anyway in the Welsh language.