§ Earl Russellasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is their response to paragraph 1.68 of the eighth report of the Social Security Advisory Committee, which draws attention to the difficulty and cost of attending social security offices and employment service offices in rural areas.
§ Lord HenleyWe will be responding to the recommendations in the advisory committee's report in due course. Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency, will write to the noble Earl giving information about the current arrangements and initiatives for customers attending social security offices in rural areas. Copies of his letter will be placed in the Library and Public Information Office.