§ Mr. Tom ClarkeTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what is the estimated administrative cost to his Department of making deductions from income support for community charge arrears;
(2) what are the administrative costs of making deductions from income support payments to meet claimants' debts.
§ Miss WiddecombeThe resourcing of this work 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.