§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the social security research currently being undertaken by or on behalf of his Department; what are his priorities for future social security research; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Fowler[pursuant to his reply, 12 March 1986, c. 519]: Details of social security research currently being undertaken by or on behalf of the Department are contained in the DHSS "Handbook of Research and Development 1985" which has recently been published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office and of which a copy has been placed in the Library. The Department will undertake such further research as is needed to assess the need for and measure the effectiveness of the main services, including the implementation of the programme for action "Reform of Social Security" (Cmnd. 9691); to suggest ways in which these might be improved; and to provide information on the likely consequences of changes in the extent or nature of services.