§ Mr. McCartneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to ensure confidentiality for people with haemophilia and HIV when claiming benefits from his Department.
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§ Mr. ScottAll personal information supplied in connection with social security claims is treated as confidential. If the hon. Member has a particular case in mind, I shall be happy to look into it.
§ Mr. McCartneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what impact the social fund will have on people with haemophilia and HIV, particularly with reference to extra heating and laundry facilities.
§ Mr. ScottPeople with haemophilia and HIV will be among those receiving income support who are regarded as a priority group for community care grants from the social fund and will also be able to apply for interest-free loans. Guidance on the circumstances in which discretionary grants and loans will be made is found in the social fund manual, a copy of which is in the Library.