§ Mr. Bulmerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many claims for child benefit are waiting to be processed at Newcastle at the present time; 161W and what is the average length of time between a claim being submitted and approved.
§ Mr. Nicholas Bakerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the time within which new voucher books under the child benefit scheme should be issued to mothers following application by them for child benefit; and what is the average period of time following such application within which child benefit is actually paid.
§ Mrs. ChalkerI will let my hon. Friends have a reply as soon as possible.