§ Mr. Peter BottomleyTo ask the Prime Minister if the request made in November by the consortium of organisations representing people with disabilities for a meeting with Ministers has been granted. [22583]
§ The Prime MinisterMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security will be meeting representatives from the Disability Benefits Consortium.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyTo ask the Prime Minister what instructions were given to officials involved in reviewing disability allowances, benefits and income support; when the instructions were issued; who issued them; and if he will place a copy in the Library. [22584]
§ The Prime MinisterBenefits paid to disabled people, their carers and people who have long-term health problems are included in the Department of Social Security's Comprehensive Spending Review. This review was announced on 11 June last year, and its terms of reference were published. A copy was placed in the Library on 24 July.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyTo ask the Prime Minister when he decided to take charge of the policy and review of disability allowances, benefits and income support. [22580]
§ The Prime MinisterResponsibility for the Comprehensive Spending Review of Social Security, which includes benefits paid to disabled people and people with long-term health problems, rests with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security. Shortly before Christmas I established a separate group to look at the wider issues of welfare reform.