§ Mr. Michael Cocksasked the Paymaster General if he will take steps to seek to protect recipients of unemployment benefit from the activities of private loan companies who seek to pressurise them to take out a loan to clear accumulated debts; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LeeI have received no complaints on this subject. It would not be appropriate for any Minister to attempt to interfere in the private financial circumstances of anyone including recipients of unemployment benefit. However, information about unemployment benefit claims is treated in confidence and is not disclosed to third parties without the written permission of the individual concerned.