§ Mr. David Priceasked the Secretary of State for Social Service what is the total number of different forms which her Department, and its subordinate agencies have currently available for different purposes requiring completion by members of the general public; when the necessity for each such form was last reviewed; and whether she intends to reduce the number of such forms and to simplify their contents.
§ Mr. MeacherMy Department has about 1,750 forms which are sent to members of the public in the administration of the wide range of social security benefits. In addition about 25 standard forms are in general use within the National Health Service for completion in whole or in part by members of the general public. The number and content of all these forms is kept under regular review.
National Health Service authorities may also prepare for local use more specialised forms which cannot be identified without disproportionate cost.