§ Mr. Merchantasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will investigate the extent of social security girocheque frauds, in which clients cash cheques for furniture and other specific grants with shopkeepers rather than exchange them for the goods arranged, in some circumstances being charged for doing this; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WhitneyWhile single payments of supplementary benefit are usually made by girocheque payable to the claimant, payments in respect of furniture or other major items of household equipment are normally made out to the supplier on the basis of previously obtained estimates, the girocheque being sent to the claimant. If there is any doubt that the payment will be properly spent the claimant 79W may be asked to provide receipts for the purchase. We have no present plans to revise these arrangements, but if my hon. Friend has any evidence of abuse I will look into it.