§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the cost to public funds in respect of the Benefits Agency staff who travelled around Spain earlier this year explaining to resident United Kingdom citizens how to claim pensions and social security allowances; and if he will make a statement. [39051]
§ Mr. Roger EvansThis is a matter for Mr. Peter Mathison, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 1 November 1995:
The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the cost to public funds in respect of the Benefits Agency staff who travelled around Spain earlier this year explaining to resident United Kingdom citizens how to claim pensions and Social Security allowances.A visit to Spain was made by Benefits Agency staff during the period 4 June 1995 to 8 June 1995. This was in response to requests from the British Consulate and customer representative 378W organisations to provide sufficient information to them to better understand and answer enquiries from Benefits Agency customers living in, or visiting Spain. The cost of the visit was less than £4,000.I hope you find this reply helpful.