§ Mr. RookerTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when his Department's office in Newcastle expects to give a ruling regarding national insurance credits in respect of Mr. M. J. D. of Birmingham, whose national insurance number is LT079153B; and if he will make a statement about the length of time taken to resolve this matter.
§ Mr. JackResolution of this matter involved consultation between this Department and the Employment Services Agency. This has taken longer than expected but has now been concluded. We expect to be able to write to Mr. M. J. D. of Birmingham within the next week to confirm his credit position. Investigations are in hand to examine thoroughly the reasons for the delays in this case and I will write to the hon. Member about this.