§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how long after a benefit case goes dormant clerical records, cashed girocheques and order book foils are kept before they are destroyed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HagueThe administration of benefit records is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. he will write to my hon. Friend.
Letter from M. Bichard to Mr. David Porter, dated 21 March 1994:
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the storage times for clerical records, cashed girocheques and order book foils prior to destruction.Clerical records are normally kept for a minimum of eighteen months after the cessation of the claim before they are destroyed.Girocheques are destroyed six months after encashment. Since November 1992 they have been put onto microfilm before destruction, and the microfilms are kept for between six and seven years.Order book foils are stored for twelve months after encashment before they are destroyed.I hope you find this reply helpful.