§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how much has been budgeted for by his Department for advertising and activities associated with the changes in social security provisions; and how much has been spent to date.
§ Mr. PortilloTotal spending up to the beginning of the current financial year by the Department's information division on providing factual information (leaflets, technical guides as well as advertising) about changes in social security provisions was approximately £12 million.
It is expected that a similar sum will be spent in the current financial year. To date about £1.5 million has been spent.