§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if he will list for each of his Department's offices covering the Doncaster area, the average length of time taken to process applications for each of the benefits administered by his Department; and what are the national averages;
(2) what are the latest figures for the Doncaster area for the number of people claiming (a) income support, (b) housing benefit and (c) family credit; and what were the figures for the last 12 months.
§ Miss WiddecombeThe administration of social security benefits is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member and copies will be placed in the Library and the Public Information Office.