HC Deb 21 July 1997 vol 298 cc470-1W
Mr. Chaytor

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many people in the United Kingdom have received letters confirming the award of reduced earnings allowance(a) for life and (b) until a specified date beyond the date on which the benefit was abolished; [5378]

(2) if she will issue a circular letter to hon. Members to assist them in giving advice to constituents who receive letters from her Department confirming the award of reduced earnings allowance for life, or until a specified date beyond the date on which the benefit was abolished. [5377]

Mr. Denham

The information is not available in the format requested.

Any of the 24,000 over pension age reduced earnings allowance recipients who transferred to retirement allowance after March 1996 may have had earlier letters advising that their award would continue for life or a specified period.

We are currently reviewing the arrangements for the transfer of REA recipients to RA and will consider whether a circular letter to hon. Members would be appropriate when that review is completed.