§ Mr. John D. Grantasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why his Department is planning to reduce the number of visits by its officers to elderly people receiving supplementary benefit in Islington; and whether, in view of the risk to such persons which arises from this reduction, he will take action to prevent it.
§ Mr. DeanNew arrangements for home visiting in all areas now being considered would combine some reduction in the number of visits with regular postal contact with long-term recipients of supplementary benefit. These arrangements, which have the support of the Supplementary Benefits Commission, would have the effect of improving the service by providing more regular contacts with people, including the elderly, who are a long time on supplementary benefit than are at present possible.