§ Mr. MillerTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has for changes to the facilities available to right hon. and hon. Members in respect of the hotline service for the disability living allowance in Blackpool; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. HagueThe administration of disability living allowance is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member and a copy will be placed in the Library.
Letter from Michael Bichard to Mr. Andrew Miller, dated 25 October 1993:
As Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency it is my responsibility to answer questions raised about relevant operational matters. I am therefore replying to your recent Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security, asking if there are any plans for changes to the facilities available to honourable and right honourable Members in respect of the DLA hotline service.The hotline continues to operate in Blackpool and achieve a 48 hour call back service. There are presently no plans to alter these facilities. However, as the performance for handling DLA claims is now being sustained at a high level, we will have to consider at some point whether there remains a need for the service in the same form to be maintained in the future. Members will be advised of any changes if, and when, we propose such changes.I hope you find this reply helpful. A copy will appear in the Official Report and a copy will also be placed in the Library.