HC Deb 31 October 2000 vol 355 c345W
Mr. Field

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people were on Incapacity Benefit in Wirral Metropolitan Authority for each of the past three years. [134737]

Mr. Bayley

The administration of Social Security is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, Alexis Cleveland. She will write to my right hon. Friend.

Letter from Alexis Cleveland to Mr. Frank Field, dated 30 October 2000: The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many people were on Incapacity Benefit in Wirral Metropolitan Authority for each of the past three years. Information is recorded on the total number of constituents claiming Incapacity Benefit at Birkenhead Office, which covers the Wirral Metropolitan Authority. The number of customers receiving Incapacity Benefit, including Credits only cases, from Birkenhead Office is 21,000 at 31 May 1998, 20,700 at 31 May 1999 and 19,600 at 31 May 2000. I hope this is helpful.