§ Mr. WillettsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proportion of social security order books reported lost were subsequently cashed in the latest period for which figures are available.
§ Miss WiddecombeThe payment of benefits by order book is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to my hon. Friend with such information as is available and a copy will be placed in the Library.
Letter from Michael Richard to Mr. David Willets, dated 7 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 asking what proportion of social security order books reported lost were subsequently cashed in the latest period for which figures are available.In the quarter ending 30 June 1992, just over 62,000 Social Security order books were recorded as lost, stolen or destroyed, which represents approximately half of one per cent. of all order books issued. Information on the number of those order books which are subsequently cashed is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.I hope you find this reply helpful. A copy will appear in the Official Report. Copies are also being placed in the Library.