HC Deb 22 January 2001 vol 361 cc466-7W
Mr. Kilfoyle

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how much was spent by his Department on take-up campaigns in(a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99 and (c) 1999–2000. [145202]

Mr. Rooker

No records are held of the cost of take-up activity prior to the current year as this activity was the responsibility of individual Benefits Agency districts.

The Department's current campaign to increase the take-up of the minimum income guarantee (MIG), has cost approximately £9 million. The telephone claimline is not part of the take-up campaign—it is a permanent fixture—therefore these costs are not included.