§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many applications for special hardship payments to 16 and 17-year-olds have been made at each benefit office in Tyne and Wear in each year since the general right to benefit was withdrawn; and how many of these applications were successful.
§ Mr. BurtThe 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.