§ Mrs. Jane KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations he has received in relation to the withholding by the solicitors acting for the estate of the late Mrs. Helen Dacey of the money paid by the Benefits Agency in respect of attendance alllowance DSS reference 379091501, and its delayed transfer to the beneficiary of the estate.
§ Mr. ScottThe administration of attendance allowance is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member and a copy will be placed in the Library.
Letter from M. Bichard to Mrs. Jane Kennedy, dated 4 March 1993:
As Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, it is my responsibility to answer questions about relevant operational matters. I am therefore replying to your recent Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security asking what representations he had received in relation to the withholding by the solicitors acting for the estate of the late Mrs. Helen Dacey of the money paid by the Benefits Agency in respect of attendance allowance DDS reference 379091501, and its delayed transfer to the beneficiary of the estate.Following Mrs. Dacey's death, the Benefit's Agency was in contact with the solicitors who were administering her estate regarding the arrears of Attendance Allowance. Correspondence was received from various other parties about this. However a thorough search of the papers relating to Mrs. Dacey at both the Attendance Allowance Unit and the local benefit office have revealed no representation that the solicitors were withholding payment of the arrears to the beneficiary of the estate.I am sorry that I am unable to be of more assistance in this matter. A copy of this letter will appear in the Official Report and a copy will be placed in the Library.