§ Mr. MeacherTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many unemployed persons claiming income support were dispossessed of their homes each year since 1979.
§ Miss WiddecombeThe information is not collected. However, income support help with mortgage interest may be paid direct to the lender where the claimant has arrears and it is in the family's interests to do so. Lenders do not normally repossess where direct payment arrangements238W are made. On 5 November at columns 94–95 my right hon. Friend the Minister of State announced that we shall be strengthening these arrangements to improve their effectiveness.