§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the annual cost, for the last year in which figures are available, for the operation of the Benefits Agency freephone helpline; and what are the projected costs in the current year. [187]
§ Mr. Roger EvansThis is a matter for Peter Mathison, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. David Hinchliffe, dated 4 November 1996:
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking what was the annual cost, for the last year in which figures are available, for the operation of the Benefits Agency freephone helpline; and what are the projected costs in the current year.The Benefits Agency freephone helpline closed on 12 July 1996. The budget allocation for 1995/96 was £6.3 million and the projected expenditure for this current year. taking account of the closure, is £2 million. These figures have been rounded.I hope you find this reply helpful.