§ Mr. Ormeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he intends to ensure that women and children who have had to leave their homes and possessions as a result of domestic violence will be exempted from restrictions of entitlement to single payments under the Supplementary Benefit (Amendments Regulation) 1986.
§ Mr. NewtonI refer the right hon. Member to my statement to the House earlier today, when the Supplementary Benefit (Miscellaneous Amendment) Regulations 1986 were laid. The regulations make specific provision for claimants who have had to leave their previous home due to fear of domestic violence and are in need of furniture and bedding on obtaining a further tenancy.