HC Deb 12 November 2003 vol 413 cc385-6W
Malcolm Bruce

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will place in the Library the conclusions of research undertaken by departmental analysts prior to the introduction of benefit payment by automatic credit transfer. [137480]

Mr. Pond

I refer the hon. Member to the Department of Social Security research report no. 146; Payment of pensions and benefits: A survey of social security recipients paid by order book or girocheque, available in the Library.

Malcolm Bruce

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what targets have been set for the payment of benefits by automated credit transfer; and if he will make a statement on the progress towards these targets in each benefit category. [137746]

Mr. Pond

The Department has a published Public Service Agreement target that by 2005, 85 per cent. of customers will have their benefits paid by Direct Payment.

Key figures on the progress of conversion to Direct Payment are available in the Library updated every four weeks.