HC Deb 18 January 1993 vol 217 cc103-4W
Mr. Pawsey

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many representations he has received from income support claimants regarding direct payments to water companies; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Burt

In the year ending 31 December 1992 we have received three letters from income support beneficiaries concerning direct payments for water charges.

Mrs. Mahon

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans there are to introduce a benefit to help with water charges.

Mr. Burt

There are no such plans.

Mr. Pawsey

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to amend paragraph 7 of schedule 9 of the Claims and Payments Regulations 1987 to allow more people to claim direct water payments; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Burt

I refer the hon. Member to my reply to him on 14 December 1992 at column72.

Mr. Pawsey

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many applications under paragraph 7 of schedule 9 of the Claims and Payments Regulations 1987 for direct payments to water companies have been made to each regional DSS office; how many have been turned down; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Burt

I refer the hon. Member to my reply to him on 14 December at columns71–72.

Mr. Pawsey

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he next expects to meet the chairmen of the regional water companies to discuss direct payments by DSS offices to the water companies.

Mr. Burt

We have no plans to meet the chairman of the regional water companies and have received no requests to do so. Departmental officials hold regular meetings with representatives of the water companies, and have done so recently.