§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will take steps to remedy the stopping without explanation of the hardship allowance to former recipients of the scheme;
(2) whether he has, during the past three years, amended any of the administrative procedures relating to the special hardship allowance scheme.
§ Mr. RossiThere has been no change in the procedures relating to special hardship allowance, entitlement to which is determined by the statutory authorities having regard to evidence of the claimant's incapacity to perform his regular occupation or suitable alternative work and confirmation of details of his loss of earnings. It is the practice to invite a fresh claim toward the end of the entitlement period. If the hon. Member has a particular case in mind I would be glad to have details, and make inquiries.