§ Mr. Spriggsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will indicate the allegations in detail, made against Mr. W. Houghton, a constituent of the hon. Member for St. Helens, by an investigator acting on behalf of his local departmental office, which have been proved to be without foundation in fact, although Mr. Houghton is still being denied benefit despite the fact that he has been advised that he is unfit for regular employment by his general practitioner and a consultant, both of whom have been treating him over a long period of time.
§ Mr. PrenticeThere is little I can add to my hon. Friend's full letter of 25 October to the hon. Member.
Mr. Houghton has now appealed to the local tribunal against the insurance officer's decision. The tribunal hearing was adjourned from 22 November at the appellant's request and will now be heard on 10 January 1980. Mr. Houghton's claims to benefit from 14 July 1979 are being referred to the tribunal for decision at the same time that the appeal is heard.