§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland with regard to the social fund, how many612W people have repaid loans and how many are outstanding to the social security offices in Downpatrick, Ballynahinch, Newcastle, Kilkeel, Newry and Banbridge.
§ Mr. NeedhamThe information at 31 October 1988 was:
Social Security Office Number of Applicants Loans repaid Loans outstanding Downpatrick 79 302 Ballynahinch 17 53 Newcastle 51 101 Kilkeel 9 48 Newry 60 461 Banbridge 23 197 Total 239 1,162
§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the budgetary allocations since 11 April in respect of the social fund for the offices in Downpatrick, Ballynahinch, Newcastle, Kilkeel, Newry and Banbridge.
§ Mr. NeedhamI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a question by the hon. Member for Belfast, South (Rev. Martin Smyth) on 3 December 1987, at columns692–94.
§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he intends to review the operation of the social fund; and what proposals he has to encourage people to claim benefit to which they are entitled.
§ Mr. NeedhamThe operation of the social fund is being monitored on a continuing basis. Health and social services boards and voluntary interests have been reminded about the availability of payments from the fund and the Department will continue to encourage potential beneficiaries to apply.