§ 6. Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he has any plans for introducing new technology wall-mounted cash dispensers for benefit claimants.
§ Mr. Peter LloydWe have no such plans but the Department will continue to examine whether such methods offer advantages over existing methods of payment.
§ 26. Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will meet benefit claimants in Nottingham, North to discuss the operation of the benefits system.
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§ Mr. Peter LloydWe have no plans to do so.
§ 30. Mr. David EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what resources have been committed by his Department over the past year to ensuring that those eligible for benefits are aware of their entitlement.
§ Mr. Peter LloydIn financial year 1988–89, a total of £12.7 million was spent in promoting awareness of the Department's benefits. This sum includes advertising and publicity leaflets. In addition freeline social security offers a free general advice and information service on social security matters and is now receiving more than 900,000 calls yearly. The Department is currently running an advertising campaign, including television, to make people aware of their entitlement to family credit and to encourage them to claim. This campaign is costing £4.8 million.