§ 10. Mr. DykesTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has had any discussions with interested parties on possible modifications to the new benefits system introduced under the Social Security Act 1986; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ScottThe new benefits system is simpler. fairer and better targeted than the old, and no major modification is called for. To ease the transition, however, my right hon. Friend has announced a package of measures to prevent large cash losses to pensioners, disabled people, widows and families with children at the point of change and to provide some minor easements where the rules seemed to be working unduly harshly.