§ Mr. Jannerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what expenditure his Department incurs in supporting agencies providing advice and assistance for claimants at his Department's local offices.
§ Mr. MajorThe Department has no powers under social security legislation to make grants to agencies specifically for the provision of advice and assistance to claimants. Agencies which provide a range of services including the provision of such advice and assistance may receive support from the Department under other legislation, but it is not possible to put a figure on the sum involved.