§ Mr. Jim MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received about the decision by staff of his Department's Leicester offices to discontinue their practice of visiting the Leicester night shelter to take fresh claims; what reason has been given for this decision; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PortilloA number of representations have been received about this decision, which took effect in October 1987.
The decision to discontinue the visits—a system which worked soley on the voluntary co-operation of local office staff was taken as a result of a physical assault on a member of staff outside the night shelter.