§ Mrs. Beckettasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list those bodies to which his Department makes appointments, the number of appointees and the number of these who are women.
§ Mr. FowlerI refer the hon. Member to pages 35–39 and 78 of the Cabinet Office (MPO) booklet "Public Bodies 1985" (ISBN 011 430008 9), published on 17 December last year, copies of which are in the Library. I also appoint members to the management sides of the bodies listed in the table which also gives the other information requested. The information given relates to the two year period ending on 31 December 1985.
We are, of course, concerned that such breakdowns occur and officials are in touch with the Property Services Agency on this issue.
When a breakdown occurs the manager of the office takes whatever steps are practicable to keep the public informed and to advise local social services departments and other agencies. In cases of urgency claimants could contact a neighbouring office or their local social services department.