§ Mr. Patrick Jenkinasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will make a statement on the progress of the work of the multi-purpose Means Test Working Party.
§ Mr. MeacherThe Steering Group on a Multi-Purpose Claim Form has sponsored a trial in Shropshire of a form covering a range of means-tested benefits. The trial started in August 1975 and will run for 12 months. Negotiations are in hand to start two further tests in other areas. I understand also that the Group's study of local authority practice in income assessments is at an advanced stage.