HC Deb 02 July 1990 vol 175 cc450-1W
20. Miss Widdecombe

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how he anticipates his Department's computerisation programme will benefit social security claimants.

Mrs. Gillian Shephard

Computerisation has improved the speed and accuracy with which benefit claims are handled. It provides a better service to the public on inquiries. It has enabled us to move benefit processing work out of London to areas where it is easier to recruit and retain good staff—and so provide a better service to our London customers.