§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (I) what representations he has received about the closure of his Department's local offices in Bradford on 7 and 8 February; what arrangements were made during severe weather for emergency cover or provision to help families with children, without money; and if he will make a statement;
(2) why the after hours service was not operating when his Department's offices in Bradford were closed during the day this month; and on how many occasions and in what circumstances the after hours service declined to make home visits during February.
§ Miss Widdecombe[holding answer 28 February 1991]: All three Bradford offices closed two hours early on 7 February, and Bradford East and Bradford South did so again on 8 February. On both days staff ensured all urgent payments were made before they left for home, and the out-of-hours service began work at 6 pm. From 4 to 17 February a total of 152 requests for out of hours visits were received in the Bradford area, of which 41 were refused. Each decision that a visit was unnecessary was taken on the facts of the individual case. Bradford citizens advice bureau has complained about the closures, arid I understand that the district manager designate for the Bradford group of offices has written to the hon. Member to inform him of his response and of the steps he is taking to keep caller facilities open should similar circumstances recur.
§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what instructions have been issued to the local Department of Social Security office out-of-hours service in Bradford concerning home visits.
§ Miss Widdecombe[holding answer 28 February 1991]: Bradford local offices have copies of guidance on the Department's out of hours service. The guidance describes action to be taken when a referral is received. It is for the out of hours service officer to decide, on the facts of the case, whether a home visit payment is appropriate.