§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many families are in receipt of family credit in the Crewe and Nantwich constituency.
§ Mr. PortilloFamily credit claims are dealt with centrally, and no information is available about claims from particular areas.
§ Mrs. WiseTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average time which elapses before a claimant renewing a family credit claim receives the new book(a) nationally and (b) in Preston.
§ Mr. PortilloI refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Sunderland, North (Mr. Clay) on 7 July at column725. Separate information about renewal claims is not available.
To facilitate the continuation of payment without a break, family credit renewal claims can be made up to four weeks before the end of the previous award.