§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has had requesting Her Majesty's Government to institute an extra £50 payment to people in receipt of supplementary benefit before Christmas to compensate for the abolition at short notice of rent-free weeks; if there are any steps he will be taking; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NewtonI assume that the right hon. Gentleman is referring to the effect of the introduction of housing benefit on authorities with rent-free weeks. I have received one such representation. I shall be writing to the right hon. Gentleman but I would draw his attention to circular letter HB(82)3, which was recently sent by the Department to local authorities. A copy has been placed in the Library of the House.