HC Deb 26 February 2002 vol 380 c1261W
Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people staff the minimum income guarantee helpline; and if he will make a statement. [33923]

Mr. McCartney

The minimum income guarantee claim line currently employs 75 staff, of which 51 are employed as claim line operators. The MIG claim line is open from 7am to 7pm Monday to Friday. There are three daily shift patterns to ensure that most of the operators are available at peak hours.

Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much the minimum income guarantee helpline cost in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement. [33925]

Mr. McCartney

The total running cost for the minimum income guarantee claim line for the 12 month period ending 31 December 2001 was £1.63 million.