§ Mr. Chris SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security for what reason his Department has ended the practice of sending sample leaflets on benefits, as they are published to local authorities and welfare rights organisations.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardThe Department has not ended the practice. The mailing of sample leaflets is carried out by Her Majesty's Stationery Office (HMSO) on behalf of the Department.
I understand that HMSO experienced temporary difficulties in providing the service recently but that the service has now been restored. Arrangements are in hand to issue not only future material but those items which should have been sent earlier.