§ Earl Russellasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have any plans to use the contingency reserve to supplement the Social Fund budget for the Shetland Islands.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Social Security (Lord Henley)The administration of the Social Fund is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the noble Earl and a copy will be placed in the Library.