§ Mr. BradleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many inquiries were made to the family credit helpline about the new child care disregard since its introduction in October.
§ Mr. BurtThe information requested is not recorded. The family credit helpline service has 70 incoming lines, which operate a queuing system. The lines are open from 7.30 am to 6.30 pm, Monday to Friday. During the period in question, from 1 October to 16 December 1994, a total of 880,462 inquiries were received with regard to family credit in general. Helpline operators have direct access to the family credit computer system and answer queries regarding all aspects of the benefit from both current and potential claimants.