HC Deb 19 July 1991 vol 195 c293W
Mr. Hume

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the number of income support hardship claims by claimants whose benefit had been suspended for not actively seeking work; and what were the numbers of such claims for each social security office since September 1989.

Mr. Hanley

[holding answer 18 July 1991]: Social security operational matters are the responsibility of the chief executive of the Social Security Agency. He will write to the hon. Gentleman and place copies of his reply in the Library and the Public Information Office.

Mr. Hume

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many social security appeals there were by claimants who had been disqualified from benefit for(a) not actively seeking work and (b) for refusing suitable employment; and what figures are available in respect of the social security appeals tribunals' findings and any subsequent appeals to the social security commissioners since September 1989.

Mr. Hanley

[holding answer 18 July 1991]: Social security operational matters are the responsibility of the chief executive of the Social Security Agency. I understand, however, that there have been no appeals to the social security commissioners on these subjects since September 1989 and that the other information requested is not held centrally.

Mr. Hume

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how many claimants in each social security office(a) received warning letters regarding actively seeking work, (b) have had their benefit suspended, (c) have had their claims allowed on referral to the adjudication officer and (d) have had their claims disallowed on referral since 1989;

(2) how many claimants in each social security office (a) have had benefit suspended for refusing suitable employment, (b) have had their benefit restored on referral to the adjudication officer and (c) were disqualified from benefit on referral to the adjudication officer since September 1989.

Mr. Hanley

[holding answer 18 July 1991]: Social security operational matters are the responsibility of the chief executive of the Social Security Agency. I understand, however, that the information requested is not available.