§ Mr. SpearingTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he has made of the502W consequences of the proposals of Her Majesty's Government concerning arrangements for asylum and immigration to cease to pay existing benefit to certain categories of person after 8 January 1996, on the administration and finances of local authorities for support of families with children required by section 17 of the Children Act 1989. [4613]
§ Mr. Andrew MitchellProposals on social security payments to asylum seekers and other persons from abroad were presented to the Social Security Advisory Committee on 11 October. The committee has carried out a public consultation on these proposals and has received representations from many individuals and organisations, including housing associations and local authorities. The committee has evaluated those responses and we are currently studying its report. The effect on local authority responsibilities under the Children Act will be taken into account in the preparation of the Government's reply.