§ Mr. George Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what 240W consultations were held with Members individually, with party groups of Members or with House committees concerning the new procedures for dealing 241W with inquiries from Members about individual social security cases which he is seeking to introduce.
§ Mr. OrmeNo doubt my hon. Friend has in mind the new arrangements introduced by the Chairman of the Supplementary Benefits Commission under which letters from hon. Members about entitlement to supplementary benefits of individual claimants are referred to the manager of the appropriate local social security office for reply direct. These arrangements were introduced from 1st December for an experimental period of four months in order to improve the service to hon. Members and their constituents by reducing delays in replying to letters. They are intended to strengthen the good relationship and direct links that many hon. Members already have with their local social security managers. Because the arrangements are experimental it was not thought necessary to have prior consultations with hon. Members, but the Chairman wants them to let him know if these arrangements do not improve the service to them and their constituents.