§ Mr. Harry BarnesTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what payments for security improvements to houses of persons considered to be at risk from paramilitary groups are taken from the social fund; how much has been spent in this way; what steps are being taken to retrieve these payments from the security budget; and if he will make a statment.
§ Mr. HanleyUnder the social fund scheme, help in the form of a loan or a grant, generally only to those on income support, may be considered towards the cost of locks, bolts, chains and viewers for outside doors and windows where there is a need for such items. Information about the total amount paid is not available. Loans are recovered direct from applicants in the usual way. Grants are not recouped from any source and there are no plans to change existing policy.