§ Mr. AltonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what percentage of crisis loans are estimated to be paid out by his Department's officials to bridge the periods when claimants are left without money after transferring from sickness benefit to unemployment benefit; and if he will make a statement about the effect of benefits paid in arrears on crisis funds.
§ Mr. ScottI regret that information relating to the situation described is not available. However £5 million, representing 3.5 per cent. of the loans budget was paid in 1988–89 in circumstances where payment of benefit in arrears was a factor.