§ Mr. WinnickTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the policy of her Department towards income support applications from those currently involved in the Drumcree protest. [51220]
§ Mr. Worthington[holding answer 17 July 1998]: Responsibility for the subject has been delegated to the Social Security Agency under it's Chief Executive, Mr. Chris Thompson, and I have asked him to arrange for a response to be given.
535WLetter from Chris Thompson to Mr. David Winnick dated 16 July 1998:
I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question seeking information about the policy towards Income Support applications from those currently involved in the Drumcree protest.An application received from a person involved in the Drumcree protest will be dealt with in the same way as any other benefit claim, that is, it will be assessed by an independent Adjudication Officer strictly in accordance with social security law and payment will be made only where there is valid entitlement.I hope this explains the position for you but I would be happy to provide any further information you require.