§ Mr. HansonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will make a statement on the current status of the document, "Benefits Agency (Wales), the Blueprint for the Future"; and what assessment she has made of its proposals. [2839]
§ Mr. FieldThe "Benefits Agency Wales—Blueprint for the Future" consultation document was published on 15 November 1996 and the period of public consultation was extended to 28 February 1997. Representations received during the consultation period will be considered by Ministers in due course, and announcements will be made in the light of these considerations.
These representations will be considered by Ministers in due course, and announcements will be made in the light of these considerations.
We will be assessing our proposals in the light of this document, and also each of the proposed Benefits Agency initiatives which are part of the Department's current programme to ensure that they will provide the improved services, better security and value for money that we want to see in a modernised Social Security system.
Announcements will be made in due course.