§ Mr. Orbachasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is aware that only one free copy of the Supplementary Benefits Handbook is available to Members, and that other copies have to be paid for at 32½p per copy; and if he will make copies of this handbook available free to Members so that they can advise their constituents as to their rights, and available to all citizens either free or at the lowest possible charge.
§ Mr. DeanThis is a comprehensive handbook for those who give advice to claimants and beneficiaries over the whole field of supplementary benefits.314W Whilst a number of free copies have been issued, including one to each hon. Member, it is designed for this purpose as a sale publication; its price covers only production costs. At the same time anyone who wishes to refer to the handbook may do in any of the Department's local offices, and there are millions of free leaflets available about individual benefits. With information available on this scale we do not think a more extensive issue of free copies to hon. Members would be justified.