§ Mr. LeightonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how long the welfare rights team in the London borough of Newham waited for the leaflets about benefits ordered in April.
§ Mr. Peter LloydApproximately 18 weeks. Orders for outlets other than the Department's own local offices, are supplied from the central leaflets unit. There is currently a 93W delay of 19 weeks in dispatch of large orders. I understand the London borough of Newham has also arranged the direct collection of leaflets.
Problems at the leaflets unit arose because of the high demand for new leaflets on the social security changes. Many of these orders were received as early as February. The leaflets themselves were not available until March and April as their production timetable was subject to the progress of legislation. Extra staff have been recruited to help clear the backlog, but this has been exacerbated by the recent local and national postal disruption. Individual copies of leaflets can be obtained from local offices of the Department or by ordering from the free telephone inquiry service, 0800 666 555.