§ Mr. Coeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when the Supplementary Benefits Handbook will be published; and if he will make a Statement.
§ Mr. Barnesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when the Supplementary Benefits Handbook will be published; and if he will make a Statement.
§ Mr. Crossman:The Supplementary Benefits Handbook was published today. It sets forth the statutory framework within which the Supplementary Benefits Commission works, but its prime purpose is to describe the nature of the Commission's discretionary powers and to give guidance to the ways and circum-stances in which the Commission exercise those powers. I join with the Chairman of the Supplementary Benefits Commission in strongly recommending the Handbook to M.P.s and all others who may be in a position to advise and help people who have or may have an entitlement to supplementary benefit.