HC Deb 25 May 1988 vol 134 c219W
Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what resources his Department is devoting to monitoring the effects of the recent social security changes on the Province.

Mr. Needham

The effects of the social security reforms are being monitored in the main using the wide range of data derived from the Department's management, expenditure and statistical returns. This involves a substantial staff effort, but it is not possible to provide a reliable estimate of the cost.