§ Mr. Woodasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many days it took to arrange for a widow in the Brid-lington constituency, whose husband died recently, to receive a visit from an officer of her Department, promised in a letter dated 26th November from the office of the Minister of State.
§ Mr. O'MalleyI have written to the right hon. Gentleman, and he will appreciate from my letter why a visit to his constituent was not in the event necessary.
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§ Mr. Woodasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether her regulations allow the payment of supplementary benefit to a widow not in possession of her husband's death certificate, although he is known to have received burial ; and whether such benefit is now being paid to a widow in the Bridlington constituency, details of whose difficulties have been sent to her.
§ Mr. O'MalleyPayment of supplementary benefit to a widow is not dependent on production of her husband's death certificate. Information about supplementary benefit has been provided for the right hon. Gentleman's constituent, but I understand that no claim has been received.