§ Mr. Terry FieldsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many claimants on Merseyside have requested a review of their supplementary benefit entitlement under the recent regulation 72 take-up campaign; how many have had their requests for review refused; how many have received payments; and how many are pending;
(2) how many cases have been identified by his Department's offices on Merseyside for eligibility for an ex gratia compensation payment due to delays in paying benefit.
(3) how many additional staff and how much additional resources have been allocated to each office on Merseyside to cope with work arising from the regulation 72 take-up campaign for arrears of benefit.
§ Miss WiddecombeThe administration of income support is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member with such information as is available and copies will be placed in the Library and the Public Information Office.