§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when the hon. Member for Greenock and Port Glasgow can expect to receive an answer to his letter, dated 28 October, to Mr. Michael Bichard, chief executive, Benefits Agency, concerning his constituent, Mr. McMaster—Ref. DB103169.
§ Mr. ScottCorrespondence on operational issues is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member and a copy will be placed in the Library.
Letter from Michael Bichard to Dr. Norman Godman, dated 2 December 1992:
As Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, it is my responsibility to answer questions about relevant operational matters. I am therefore replying to the points raised in your recent Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security concerning correspondence about your constituent Mr. McMaster (Ref. DB103169).I can confirm that decisions have now been made on Mr. McMaster's claims and these have been notified to him. I replied on 1 December to your letter of 28 October and this explains the position in greater detail.I offer my sincere apologies to Mr. McMaster for the delay in dealing with his claims and for delay in responding to your correspondence. Clearly neither you nor your constituent have received the standard of service to which you have every 345W right to expect of the Agency. You will be aware from my letter of 19 October to all MPs of the problems we have encountered since the successful launch of the new benefits and the positive steps taken to improve the situation.I hope you find this reply helpful. A copy will appear in the Official Report. Copies are also being placed in the Library.