§ Mr. DobsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services for what reasons all local authority welfare rights470W officers and other non-journalistic outlets were dropped from the mailing list of his Department's press release section in September 1987; whether this was done with any notification; whether he will reinstate the former mailing list; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PortilloThe Department's press office has riot stopped sending press notices to any one group of recipients. It does, however, review its long press lists from time to time. It works on the principle that press notices are designed and intended for the press and this is where they are mainly sent. The last review took place in October and November last year. Recipients were not notified. Because few of the recipients have made inquiries about this action, I do not consider it necessary to restore the former mailing list. However, several welfare rights units have expressed concern about their removal; a small mailing list will be established to provide them with the social security benefits information in which they are interested.