HC Deb 08 May 1984 vol 59 cc350-1W
14. Mr. John

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement regarding the decision of the social security commissioners that regulation 10(10)(b) of the Supplementary Benefit (Single Payment) Regulations is null and void.

Dr. Boyson

As indicated in my reply to my hon. Friend, the Member for Gillingham, on 26 April at column 581, my right hon. Friend laid before the House on that day the Supplementary Benefit (Single Payment) Regulations 1984 which came into effect on 27 April. These regulations do not make any changes in policy. They simply restore the effect of the regulation to what it had always been thought and believed to be, as reflected in the wording of regulation 10(1)(b) of the consolidated regulations.

22. Mr. Wainwright

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what guidance he has given to supplementary benefit offices consequent upon the decision in the Tracy McCormick appeal CF/38/83.

35. Mr. Simon Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what guidance he has given to supplementary benefit offices following the decision by the Social Security Commissioner about the appeal by Tracy McCormick, No. CF/38/83.

45. Mr. Kirkwood

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what guidance he has given to local supplementary benefit officers following the commissioner's decision in the Tracy McCormick appeal, decision No. CF/38/83.

Mr. Andrew F. Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied that local supplementary benefit offices are now aware of Commissioner's decision CF/38/83, the McCormick case, when deciding claims from teenagers who are undertaking part-time study for between 15 and 21 hours a week.

Dr. Boyson

Claims for benefit are decided by the independent adjudicating authorities and it is for the chief adjudication officer to decide whether to amend his guidance in the light of a commissioner's decision. I understand that he has decided not to amend previous guidance in the light of the unreported decision CF/38/83, but that a circular is being issued to adjudicaion officers advising them on the handling of any appeals or requests for decisions to be reviewed. I shall arrange for a copy of this circular to be placed in the Library of the House.