§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland for how long records of social security benefits paid to claimants are retained; and whether it is possible to obtain details of the period March 1985 to August 1987 relating to someone who qualified for and was in receipt of family income supplement in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. NeedhamThe length of time records of social security benefits paid to claimants are retained varies with the benefit and with certain other circumstances (for example, the death of a claimant). Records of family income supplement are normally retained for two years after the last date of payment and it is therefore unlikely that details of a claim relating to the period from March 1985 to August 1987 are available. However, if the hon. Gentleman has a particular case in mind my noble Friend —Lord Skelmersdale—will be pleased to look into it.