§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Wolverhampton, North-East on 16 June, Official Report, c. 290, when he expects the review on questions to be asked of single parents, claiming one-parent benefit or widow's benefit, concerning their sexual relationships, to be concluded; and if he will publish it.
§ Mr. NewtonWe firmly intend to revise the guidelines used when inquiries are made of single parents receiving one-parent benefit or national insurance widows benefits, to make it clear that direct questions about sexual relationships should not be asked. I cannot be sure how long this will take; but it will be done as speedily as possible and I shall let the hon. Member know the outcome.