§ Mr. BayleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many state pensioners in York have had their pensions suspended in the last 12 months because of a long stay as a hospital in-patient.
§ Mr. HagueThe administration of benefits is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member with such information as is available and a copy will be placed in the Library.
Letter from Mr. M. Bichard to Mr. Hugh Bayley, dated 26 July 1993:
As Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, it is my responsibility to answer questions about relevant operational matters. I am therefore replying to your recent Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security asking how many State pensioners in York have had their pensions suspended in the last twelve months because of a long stay as a hospital in-patient.I regret that the information is not available in the form requested and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. However, I can inform you that on 30 September 1992, the latest date for which information is held, a total of 47,170 pensioners (0.51 per cent. of the national pensioner population) had their Retirement Pension reduced because they were receiving treatment as hospital in-patients.I hope you find this reply helpful. A copy of this letter will appear in the Official Report and a copy will also be placed in the Library.