§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many applications for travelling expenses were granted from the social fund for claimants to visit relatives in hospital; and how many refused during the months of May 1989 and November 1989.
§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security whether demand on the social fund has led to some community care grants being only partially met by grants and partially by loans.
§ Mr. ScottI regret that the information requested is not available. However, in the period April to December 1989, 25,000 loan applications which were refused resulted in a community care grant being awarded instead.
35W
§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, what plans he has for the social fund loans budget to become self-financing; and by what date.