§ Mr. Peter Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what is the likely effect on employment by Government Departments as a result of the introduction of a unified system of housing benefits into Northern Ireland;
(2) what will be the effect on employment in (a) the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and (b) the Department of Health and Social Services as a result of the introduction of a system of unified housing benefits in Northern Ireland;
(3) what is the estimated effect on the benefits received by those at present in receipt of help with their rent and/or rates from the introduction into Northern Ireland of a unified housing benefits scheme similar to that which exists in England and Wales; how many people are likely 327W to have (a) a reduction and (b) an increase in their benefits; and what is the estimated average increase and the estimated average decrease expected from the introduction of this scheme into Northern Ireland;
(4) what are the estimated savings or extra expenditure as a result of the introduction of a unified system of housing benefits into Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. John PattenI shall reply to the hon. Gentleman as soon as possible.