§ Mr. Cyril Smithasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the causes of serious delays in dealing with cases, including contributions records and the issue of order books, at the Newcastle office; and if he has any plans to improve the efficiency of that branch.
§ Mr. OrmeI am not aware of any general delays at Newcastle Central Office in dealing with contribution inquiries or in the issue of order books. Indeed, since the introduction on 1st January 1977 of a computer-based response service to local offices, 99 per cent. of benefit inquiries which are completed with correct identity details are answered within 24 hours. The hon. Member recently wrote to me about delay in issuing a family allowance order book to one of his constituents and I will be writing to him about this shortly.
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§ Mr. OrmeMr. Kwok Fong did not claim benefit from Croydon, but at a nearby social security office where he signed a declaration that he had no income or capital. This declaration also included a statement that the information which had been recorded was true and complete and had been read over to him. Benefit was not paid without any questions being asked but as a result of a deliberate false statement.