HC Deb 17 December 1987 vol 124 c672W
Rev. Martin Smyth

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether all the legislation necessary for the operation of the social fund and the reformed structure of income-related benefits in Northern Ireland after April 1988 is now in place; if he has any plans in the near future to bring forward legislation by Order in Council on matters of social security; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Needham

The main primary legislation necessary for the operation of the social fund and the reformed structure of income-related benefits in Northern Ireland after April 1988 is already in place; the necessary subordinate legislation will be in place shortly. In addition, it is proposed to make an Order in Council containing social security provisions for Northern Ireland corresponding to those for Great Britain contained in the Social Security Bill.

Rev. Martin Smyth

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what advice he is giving to officers administering the social fund in areas in Northern Ireland as to the procedure to be adopted in the event of their exceeding their allocations for grants and loans before the end of a year, and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Needham

No such advice will be necessary. Each social security office will be expected to contain its payments within the amounts allocated.