§ Mr. Cyril Smithasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement setting out the cost of postage per annum in sending benefits from the National Computer Centre; and how much would be saved by handing the Girocheques to claimants as they sign on.
§ Mr. WaddingtonAt current levels of unemployment the cost of postage and stationery per annum in sending benefits from the national computer centres is £9.72 377W million. No savings would accrue from handing the Girocheques to claimants as they sign on because of additional staff and common services costs.