§ Mr. WinnickTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his reply of 10 July 2000,Official Report, column 389W, for what reason the Director of the Disability and Carer Benefits Directorate did not sign the reply of 4 July to the hon. Member for Walsall, North concerning a constituent; and why the letter gave no explanation of why the Director was unable to sign. [130658]
§ Mr. Bayley[holding answer 17 July 2000]: The Director personally signs letters to right hon. and hon. Members unless he is unavailable, when a nominated deputy signs on his behalf.
119WThe Director was out of the office on 4 July. I regret that, in his absence, the normal procedures were not followed in this particular case.
In future additional guidance will be given to staff about who may sign letters received by Benefits Agency Directors from Members.