§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) when he established the Freeline Social Security service on 0800–666555; for what purpose; whether it has been in continuous service since that date; and if he will make a statement;
(2) how many staff are employed to answer Freeline Social Security on 0800–666555; how many calls are dealt with on an average working day; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PortilloFreeline Social Security which succeeded Freefone DHSS was introduced on 6 April 1987 to provide a free advice and information service on general social security matters for members of the public and to supplement the service provided by DHSS local offices. The 10 Freeline Social Security centres which employ 90 staff have been in continuous service during normal working hours since their inception. In the year to 9 February 1988 they dealt with, on average, 3,073 calls a day.
The Department regards Freeline as a significant and successful enhancement of the service that it provides to the public.