§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the average length of time that families in the Greenock and Port Glasgow constituency, who were in receipt of family income supplement, had to wait between application and granting of family credit during the period of transition.
§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the average length of time that families in the Crewe and Nantwich constituency, who were in receipt of family credit, had to wait between application and granting of benefit during the period of change over.
§ Mr. PortilloI assume the hon. Members are referring to families who were receiving family income supplement up to April 1988. Such families were reassessed for family credit from 11 April 1988, and an award issued, without the need for a further claim. Around 90 per cent. of cases were dealt with before 11 April, and the remainder were mainly cases where the claim for family income supplement was made shortly before 11 April. Information is not available in respect of families from particular local areas.