HC Deb 27 March 1995 vol 257 c487W
Mr. Jessel

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if Mr. Gerry Adams is or has been in receipt of income support or any other social security benefit. [16367]

Mr. Moss

Responsibility for the subject in question has been delegated to the Social Security Agency under its chief executive, Mr. Alec Wylie. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

Letter from Alec Wylie to Mr. Toby Jessel, dated 23 March 1995: I have been asked to reply to your recent question about Mr. Gerry Adams. I should first explain that information on a person's entitlement to social security benefits, including whether or not they are claiming or getting benefit, is confidential. I am therefore unable to comment on individual cases. However, I can assure you that all claims to benefit are assessed and regularly reviewed by independent adjudication officers, strictly in accordance with social security law and payment is made only where there is a valid entitlement. I hope this letter sets out the position for you.