HC Deb 02 April 2001 vol 366 cc85-6W
27. Mr. Viggers

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many letters have been sent out to pensioners who are possible candidates for the minimum income guarantee; and how many of those pensioners have made successful claims. [154886]

Mr. Rooker

Since the launch of the campaign last May, over 2 million pensioners have been written to and around 887,000 pensioners have responded. At the end of February the Department had received over 182,000 additional claims. Claims as a result of the campaign continue to be received and processed.

Ms Squire

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will ensure that a written explanation is provided to unsuccessful applicants for the Minimum Income Guarantee. [155009]

Mr. Rooker

It is standard procedure in the Benefits Agency for a written decision to be issued on all application forms that are received, irrespective of whether the claim is successful or not.

Mr. Willetts

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will place in the Library the Government's evaluation of the Minimum Income Guarantee take-up campaign and independent evaluations commissioned by ministers. [155413]

Mr. Rooker

Evaluation of the Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG) take-up campaign is ongoing. A summary of quantitative tracking research on pensioners' awareness of MIG is due to be published shortly. A further report of research commissioned by the Department to assess the use of the MIG Claimline is due to be published in July and, in accordance with normal practice, a copy will be placed in the Library.