§ Mrs. Wiseasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects to publish the report on the review of the supplementary benefits scheme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. OrmeThe report by the team of officials which we set up to review the scheme will be published on Thursday 13th July at 2.30 p.m. Hon. Members will be able to obtain copies from the Vote Office and a copy will be placed in the Library. We are publishing the report in accordance with our pledge of open government, but we are not at this stage committed to any of the possibilities for change discussed by the review team. The report will be widely distributed to interested organisations and individuals to provide a basis for an informed, public discussion of the issues involved, before firm decisions are taken about the future shape of the supplementary benefits scheme.