§ Mr. Heddleasked 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. C11B90520606, returned to her despite the fact that the Department of Health and Social Security child benefits department, Washington 110W new town, Newcastle upon Tyne, has had possession of the book for seven weeks;
(3) why Mrs. J. Patterson of 53 Farington, Glascote Heath, Tamworth, Staffs 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[pursuant to her reply, 23 July 1979, c. 91–2]: Mrs. Seedhouse and Mrs. Patterson had their child benefit delayed as a result of industrial action at the child benefit centre. There was a misunderstanding in Mrs. Downing's case and I have written to my hon. Friend.