§ Mr. Fieldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether officials are instructed to require written authority from a claimant before they will deal directly with the claimant's solicitor by (a) telephone or (b) letter.
§ Mr. NewtonWritten authority is not normally required for dealing with a claimant's solicitor by telephone or by letter, but it may be sought if there is reason to doubt whether the claimant wishes the solicitor to conduct his business.