HC Deb 23 July 1979 vol 971 cc90-2W
Mr. Conlan

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he is taking to ensure that cases from hon. Members referred to the child benefit centre, Washington, are expeditiously dealt with.

Mrs. Chalker

Cases referred to the child benefit centre from hon. Members are given immediate priority. For the time being, in cases where the delay is the result of industrial difficulty, hon. Members will receive an acknowledgement of their letter and an assurance that the case referred is being examined. I hope hon. Members will understand that this will enable staff to concentrate on the important work of processing claims. A full reply will be sent only if difficulties persist or if there are additional factors contributing to the delay.

Mr. Heddle

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) why Mrs. A. A. Seedhouse, of 75 Crossfell, Wilnecote, Tamworth Staffordshire, has not had her family allowance book, No. 90860441/10, returned to her despite the fact that the Department of Health and Social Security child benefits department at Washington new town, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, has had possession of the book for six weeks;

(2) why Mrs. M. Downing, of 46 Walk-field Road, Alrewas, Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, has not had her family allowance book, No. Cl1B90520606, returned to her despite the fact that the Department of Health and Social Security child benefits department, Washington new town, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, has had possession of the book for seven weeks;

Number in thousands with figures of children in brackets
All Men Women
Separated … … … … … 121 7 (17) 114 (230)
Divorced … … … … … 103 103 (210)
Single … … … … … 88 6 (13) 82 (110)
Widowed … … … … … 9 9 (15)
Prisoner's wife … … … … … 4 — 4 (9)
All … … … … … 326 14 (29) 312 (575)

Figures for housing costs are available only for all men—£7.44 a week—and all women—£7.63 a week. Figures of average weekly benefit are as follows:

Separated men … £29.66
Divorced, single or widowed men … £27.30
Separated women … £27.21
Divorced women … £30.15
Single women … £24.15
Widowed women … £17.54
Prisoner's wives … £30.53

Mr. Ernie Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many

Number of families (thousands) Number of children (thousands) Average weekly supplementary benefit Average housing costs included in assessment
Unemployed … … … … 198 490 Separate £7.84
Sick or disabled … … … 20 43 figures not £8.77
Others … … … … 7 13 available £7.42
All … … … … 225 547 £29.88 £7.91

(3) why Mrs. J. Patterson of 53 Faring-ton, Glascote Heath, Tamworth, Staffordshire, has not had her family allowance book returned to her, despite the fact that the Department of Health and Social Security child benefits department at Washington new town, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, has had possession of the book for eight weeks.

Mrs. Chalker

I shall let my hon. Friend have a reply as soon as possible.