§ Mr. Irvingasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action he intends to take regarding the board and lodgings regulations in the light of the recent supplementary benefit appeal tribunal decision on financial limits.
§ Mr. NewtonI assume my hon. Friend is referring to the decision of the Acton social security appeal tribunal against which the Chief Adjudication Officer has appealed to the commissioner. I understand that the Chief Social Security Commissioner has requested that further submissions be made about the point of law involved after the hearing of the Appeal Court in the case of R v. Secretary of State for Social Services ex parte Cotton, which is to be heard on 25 and 26 November. Meanwhile, my right hon. Friend has laid fresh regulations before the House, as he announced on 11 November at column 322. These have now been approved by both Houses and come into operation today.