§ Mr. Haynesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if it is the policy of his Department that local officers should not disclose information to claimants who ask for it; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WhitneyPersonal information held on Social Security claims by the Department is confidential. Where a claimant or a person who states they are acting on behalf of a claimant asks a local officer for information about a claim, it is our policy that the local officer must be satisfied that the enquiry is in fact from the claimant or an agent acting with his authority before any information can be disclosed. if the hon. Member has a particular instance in mind I should be glad if he would write to me.