HC Deb 15 May 1989 vol 153 c53W
Ms. Short

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many restart interviews were conducted between December 1988 and March 1989 inclusive for each employment service region.

Mr. Lee

The number of restart interviews conducted in each employment service region between December 1988 and March 1989 is shown in the table:

Region Number of interviews
Northern Region 55,000
Yorkshire and Humberside 76,000
East Midlands and Eastern 64,000
London and South East 169,000
South West 37,000
Wales 47,000
West Midlands 95,000
North West 118,000
Scotland 108,000
Great Britain 769,000

Ms. Short

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment whether, if a restart counseller refers a claimant to an adjudication officer because of what the claimant has written in their RR6 or said during the interview, the counsellor has to tell the claimant; whether the claimant can ask to see what the restart counsellor has said in the RR3; and whether the claimant is entitled to a copy of the RR3 to help them understand their position and, if necessary, correct any false information contained therein.

Mr. Lee

Restart counsellors do not refer claimants direct to the adjudication authorities. If a doubt arises about a claimant's availability for work the case is passed to the benefit office for referral to the adjudication officer if that is appropriate. Counsellors are instructed to tell claimants about the action that has been taken. Claimants can ask to see what is written on form RR3 and can be given a copy on request.

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