§ Mr. Youngerasked the Minister of Social Security what is the average time taken by offices of her Department in Scotland to pay out claims for sickness benefit.
§ Mr. PentlandProvided claims are made promptly the first payment of benefit will normally be made in the week following that in which the incapacity began. If incapacity continues, payments are made regularly on the same day each week. However, there may be delay at any point if inquiries have to be made to establish entitlement to benefit. If the hon. Gentleman has any case of difficulty in mind, I shall be pleased to look into it for him.