HC Deb 12 December 1990 vol 182 c426W
Mr. Battle

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many 16 and 17-year-olds have been interviewed by his Department's staff under the provisions announced on 13 March 1989,Official Report, columns 27–28.

Miss Widdecombe

Information about the number of 16 and 17-year-olds interviewed by local office staff is not available. However, between 1 April 1989 and 30 November 1990, 39,341 claims were referred after interview to the severe hardship claims unit for consideration of payment under the severe hardship provisions.