§ Dr. Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make an urgent inquiry into the financial hardship and distress being experienced by people in Millom, Cumbria, whose pension and benefit payments are being delayed as a result of the industrial dispute at his Department's office in Barrow in Furness; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PortilloAn emergency payment centre is open at Barrow in Furness to handle claims from people in need of financial assistance. Voluntary organisations, including the Citizens Advice Bureau in Millom, Cumbria, have been advised about the arrangements and supplies of emergency claim forms have been distributed to them and other organisations in the area covered by the emergency centre. Special arrangements have also been made with the post office to ensure that people who are normally paid by order book can continue to receive their benefit allowances.