§ Dr. Lynne JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what will be the implications for the operation of his Department of the code of practice on open government.
§ Mr. HagueThe code of practice will reinforce and build on this Department's existing arrangements for the provision of information. Requests will be handled as part of the normal business process, keeping procedures as simple as possible. Decisions on the release of information will be taken by the unit with primary responsibility for the policy, action or decision. Internal reviews where an applicant complains that information has been unreasonably withheld will be carried out by someone of senior rank within the same area but who had no involvement in the original decision.
In recent months the Department has published a number of papers including "The growth of social security"—July 1993; "Containing the cost of social security"—October 1993—and "Equality in State Pension Age"—December 1993. Customer charters have been published by the Benefits Agency—December 1993; the Contributions Agency—January 1994—and the Child Support Agency—April 1993. Statements on standards of service are displayed in local offices and each agency reports publicly on performance against targets. A customer charter will be published by the War Pensions Agency after its launch in April 1994.