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The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to Parliamentary Questions you have tabled about papers published and fact finding visits made by Chief Executives within the last 12 months.PQ883
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency has published its
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annual Business Plan and Annual Report and Accounts. Each of these include financial and non financial objectives and targets and the Agency's performance against these targets.In the summer of 1991 we issued the first in a series of publications called DVL TODAY. The publication is issued half yearly and is designed to introduce and explain the work of this organisation to its many and varied customers and to invite suggestions for improving the service. The most recent edition was used to launch our customer service guides.
The Agency has also published a number of consultation papers. PQ898
DVLA has done much to improve the delivery of services to its customers. I keep in touch with our customers in a variety of ways. In the last year, this has included visits to the AA, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and the Retail Motor Industry Federation.
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More widely, I have visited my counterparts in Dublin and Germany to discuss European developments on driver licensing and vehicle licensing and registration. And on 23 October last year I visited the Rijksdienst voor het Wedverkeer, Veendam, Holland in order to sign an agreement with the Dutch registration authorities to set up an exchange of vehicle registration information with DVLA.Letter from C. M. Woodman, chief executive of the Driving Standards Agency, to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 28 October 1992 : As you know, the Secretary of State has asked individual Chief Executives to reply to the Parliamentary Questions you have tabled for written answer about the Department's Executive Agencies. PO 898/92/93
In the past 12 months I have undertaken six fact-finding visits. These are detailed below :
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Date |Event |Results
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 November 1991 |Meeting of Commission Internationale des Exames, de |Arrange details of CIECA Congress meeting for April 1992
| Conduite Automobile (CIECA) secretariat in Brussels
22 January 1992 |Lex Motoring Symposium in London |Discuss the latest Lex research about drivers
27-30 April 1992 |CIECA Congress meeting in York |Discuss developments in driver testing with European
| driver testing organisations
23 July 1992 |Eurosafe Conference in London (organised by the London |Give talk and participate in discussion on developments in
| Boroughs road safety officers) | driver testing
14 September 1992 |Driving Instructor Association Annual Conference in |Discuss the recently issued Theory Testing Consultation
| SolihullPaper
12 October 1992 |CIECA secretariat meeting in Paris |Discuss plans for next Congress
PO 883/92/93
DSA have produced seven papers and publications in the last 12 months. These include two book in our "Driving Skill" series and two public consultation papers. These are listed below :
Title |Date -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Retesting Disqualified Drivers-Consultation Paper |October 1991 Theory Testing for Learner Drivers- Consultation Paper |August 1992 The Driving Manual ISBN 0 11 551054 0 |May 1992 The Motorcycling Manual (2nd Edition) ISBN 0 11 550974 7 |September 1992 Customer Survey-Summary of Findings |April 1992 Business Plan 1992-93 |June 1992 Annual Report and Accounts 1991-92 |September 1992
Letter from David Evans to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 28 October 1992 :
The DVOIT has been an Executive Agency in its own right since April of this year. Formerly, it was the IT arm of the Driver and Vehicles Licensing Agency. I have been in post since March. Since that time, I have not published any papers. Whilst I have not been on any formal fact finding visits I have visited all of DVOIT's Customers, some potential Customers and also potential business partners.
Ozone Depletion
Mr. Chris Smith : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what discussions or correspondence the Minister has had with Eurotunnel regarding the use of ozone-depleting substances in the operation of the channel tunnel ; and if he will make a statement ; (2) what discussions or correspondence he has had with Eurotunnel regarding the use of HCFCs in the air conditioning system in the channel tunnel.
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Mr. Freeman : The binational intergovernmental commission--IGC--and safety authority--SA--were established under the treaty of Canterbury to supervise the construction and operation of the tunnel on behalf of the United Kingdom and French Governments.
The IGC decided in December 1989-- Official Report , 19 December 1989, col 195 , that Eurotunnel could continue to develop its shuttle system on the basis of non-segregation of drivers and passengers of cars and coaches from their vehicles during transit through the tunnel. Among the conditions attached to that decision was one requiring that a fire extinction system using halon 1301 or other agent with the same extinguishing capacity should be available either when passengers had been evacuated or as a last resort when the lives of passengers were endangered in spite of the use of other means of extinction provided for in the decision. The SA's paper "Non- segregation of drivers and passengers from their vehicles" which reviews the factors on which the SA based its advice to the IGC is available from the Library of the House.
In the response--Cm 1853, March 1992--to the report of the Home Affairs Committee on fire safety and policing of the channel tunnel, it is made plain that it is important that Eurotunnel continue to work on alternatives to halon 1301 for use in the tunnel. If however, nearer the time of phase out of halons, no suitable replacement has been found, the Government stated that they would consult the French Government with a view to persuading the international community that the tunnel should be included in the list of possible essential uses for which extra production of halons may be allowed.
In the case of the sealed tunnel cooling system, Eurotunnel proposes to use HCFC 22 which has a low ozone-depleting potential and low toxicity whilst being effective for the purpose. The use of this material, too, has been approved by the IGC. Eurotunnel has been required
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to design the cooling system to accept without great modification, the possible replacement of HCFC 22 by more ozone-friendly fluids which become available.Nuclear Fuel Transportation
Mr. Dafis : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representation will be made by his Department to the International Maritime Organisation in its review of current international safety standards on the carriage of irradiated nuclear fuel in December ; and if his Department will be represented at the meeting.
Mr. Norris : The Department supports the present provisions for the carriage of irradiated nuclear fuel in the international maritime dangerous goods code and has also taken part in the development of additional requirements in the proposed International Maritime Organisation code for the safe carriage of irradiated nuclear fuel. It will take full part in the joint discussions at the
IMO/International Atomic Energy Agency meeting in December and will be represented by specialists in this field.
Consultants
Mr. Simon Hughes : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list all of the reports his Department has commissioned from external consultants in each of the last three years ; for each of the last three years, how many reports from external consultants to his Department led to further consultancy work being commissioned, stating for each of these who were the original and subsequent consultants and briefly describing the subject matter of the consultancy work ; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. Norris : This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Rail Freight Privatisation
Mr. Nicholls : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will arrange for the publication of the results of consultation with private sector freight operators undertaken by Mercer Management Consultants as part of their study into rail freight privatisation.
Mr. Freeman : Most discussions with private sector rail freight customers or operators are undertaken by officials of the Department of Transport ; and the results fed into Mercer's work. To ensure frankness, all discussions are held on a commercial-in-confidence basis.
M6
Mr. Rooker : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when work on the Witton viaduct of the M6 motorway will be completed ; when it was originally planned to be completed ; and if compensation will be made to those businesses of the Brookvale trading estate, Moor lane, Birmingham, which have been adversely affected during the work.
Mr. Kenneth Carlisle : Work beneath the Witton viaduct was completed on 18 October 1992. The contract completion date was 14 June 1992. A significant part of the delay was caused by the need for extra work beyond that originally expected.
There are no statutory rights to compensation for business loss due to disruption from road works, provided these are carried out in a proper manner and access is maintained.
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Halon Fire Extinguishers
Mr. Simon Hughes : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps are being taken to ensure that the requirements for halon fire extinguishing systems in aircraft cockpits will be met from existing stocks or recovered materials ; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. Norris : Halons are in use on aircraft in portable fire extinguishers and in fixed systems for engine and cargo compartment fire protection. Halons possess remarkably good fire fighting properties but their production will be phased out because of their effect on the ozone layer. Although replacements are being developed, none is likely to be suitable as a straightforward substitute. The Government are in consultation with the Civil Aviation Authority and the aviation industry, investigating the possibility of setting up a scheme for the banking and recycling of existing halon stocks. Any such scheme would apply to halon users in other industries.
Ports
Ms. Walley : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to improve integrated road and rail links to ports ; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. Kenneth Carlisle : The planning of railway intermodal freight services to ports is a matter for British Rail.
Light Dues
Mr. David Porter : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will abolish light dues ;
(2) if he will apply the user pays principle to light dues ; and if he will make a statement ;
(3) what discussions he has had with his counterparts in the EC about light dues ; and what steps he will take to apply single market principles to light dues.
Mr. Norris : The Government have no plans to abolish the system of light dues. But they have drawn the European Commission's attention to the differing practices among member states for funding maritime navigational aids, and has urged the extension of the "user pays" principle throughout the European Community. Within the United Kingdom system, recent reforms have extended light dues to certain previously non-paying users.
Emergency Vessels
Dr. Godman : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answers of 30 June, Official Report , column 451 , if he will update the figures given on numbers of emergency standby vessels found to be satisfactory or unsatisfactory, or which are still being assessed, under the revised code.
Mr. Norris : Eighty-five standby vessels, representing 49 per cent. of the current fleet, have been assessed and comply with the revised code. A futher 41 vessels are at various stages of assessment.
Dr. Godman : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the names of all emergency or standby vessels currently certificated engaged in the off-shore oil and gas industries, the year of build and the date of the last survey of each vessel.
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Mr. Norris : The number of vessels certificated for use in the United Kingdom standby vessel industry is at present 162. The table lists these vessels, including the year of build and the date of the last survey.
Shipname |Year of build |Date of last survey --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Aberdonian |1977 |1 June 1992 Alexandra Tide |1974 |20 December 1991 Andrew Viking |1990 |3 September 1992 Atlantic Defender |1980 |2 December 1991 Atlantic Guardian |1979 |1 September 1992 Black Isle |1973 |13 October 1992 Black Watch |1977 |20 March 1992 Blue Flame 1 |1976 |5 March 1992 Britannia Challenger |1964 |16 April 1992 Britannia Champion |1980 |20 May 1992 Britannia Chieftain |1973 |19 June 1992 Britannia Cobra |1978 |20 April 1992 Britannia Conquest |1974 |17 July 1992 Britannia Crusader |1976 |16 September 1992 Britannia Endeavour |1975 |29 September 1992 Britannia Fury |1972 |14 October 1992 Britannia Gazelle |1978 |29 April 1992 Britannia Harvester |1972 |16 September 1992 Britannia Knight |1976 |15 April 1992 Britannia Monarch |1973 |26 August 1992 Britannia Venturer |1965 |1 July 1992 Britannia Vixen |1978 |10 July 1992 Britannia Warrior |1973 |19 February 1992 Cam Civet |1960 |4 February 1992 Cam Defender |1983 |30 October 1991 Cam Guardian |1970 |28 July 1992 Cam Protector |1983 |20 December 1991 Cam Puma |1966 |30 April 1992 Cam Ranger |1983 |28 July 1992 Cam Retriever |1972 |25 November 1991 Cam Seeker |1967 |8 May 1992 Cam Sentinel |1982 |7 October 1992 Cam Supporter |1983 |26 May 1992 Cam Valiant |1939 |12 February 1992 Cam Vanguard |1955 |12 August 1992 Cam Vedette |1970 |14 January 1992 Cam Venturer |1973 |5 August 1992 Cam Viceroy |1958 |8 January 1992 Cam Victor |1969 |8 May 1992 Cam Vigilant |1957 |19 February 1992 Cam Viking |1972 |14 October 1992 Cam Viper |1966 |1 April 1992 Cam Viscount |1971 |18 August 1992 Cam Vulcan |1958 |14 February 1992 Cam Zebra |1960 |21 April 1992 Chudleigh |1962 |27 February 1992 Dawn Blazer |1965 |2 September 1992 Dawn Patrol |1970 |8 May 1992 Dawn Shore |1967 |29 April 1992 Dawn Sky |1967 |8 October 1992 Dawn Warbler |1966 |1 July 1992 Dea Supporter |1970 |27 December 1991 Evans Tide |1974 |18 June 1992 Far Baronet |1986 |9 July 1992 Far Earl |1986 |18 September 1992 Far Searcher |1986 |10 December 1991 Far Seeker |1986 |20 December 1991 Far Sovereign |1982 |18 March 1992 Far Stream |1982 |29 April 1992 Grampian Chieftain |1976 |7 May 1992 Grampian City |1976 |22 November 1991 Grampian Concord |1961 |11 June 1992 Grampian Dawn |1962 |29 April 1992 Grampian Dee |1975 |2 October 1992 Grampian Eagle |1975 |16 April 1992 Grampian Endeavour |1966 |7 April 1992 Grampian Fame |1975 |30 June 1992 Grampian Forest |1962 |1 May 1992 Grampian Freedom |1957 |18 August 1992 Grampian Harrier |1967 |27 May 1992 Grampian Haven |1981 |21 May 1992 Grampian Highlander |1976 |12 June 1992 Grampian Monarch |1968 |2 September 1992 Grampian Orcades |1991 |14 August 1992 Grampian Osprey |1937 |19 May 1992 Grampian Otter |1983 |7 July 1992 Grampian Pioneer |1981 |14 September 1992 Grampian Protector |1983 |14 January 1992 Grampian Quest |1959 |1 May 1992 Grampian Rose |1949 |14 January 1992 Grampian Sabre |1975 |10 April 1992 Grampian Shield |1974 |4 June 1992 Grampian Sprite |1983 |22 May 1992 Grampian Venture |1982 |23 April 1992 Grampian Warrior |1977 |14 January 1992 Grampian Wood |1976 |17 March 1992 Hatherleigh |1961 |1 July 1992 Kronbas |1975 |1 May 1992 Maersk Mariner |1986 |21 February 1992 Maersk Pacer |1991 |3 June 1992 Maersk Provider |1991 |23 March 1992 Maersk Rover |1982 |25 September 1992 Magdelan Sea |1977 |29 July 1992 Normand Skipper |1975 |30 December 1991 Nova |1969 |29 April 1992 Putford Acasta |1972 |5 March 1992 Putford Achates |1976 |30 April 1992 Putford Ajax |1976 |9 September 1992 Putford Athena |1975 |23 September 1992 Putford Guardian |1967 |20 March 1992 Putford Osprey |1960 |1 July 1992 Putford Petrel |1961 |26 March 1992 Putford Skua |1967 |9 September 1992 Putford Snipe |1969 |3 January 1992 Putford Teal |1969 |24 June 1992 Putford Tern |1967 |19 August 1992 Safe Carrier |1968 |21 May 1992 Safe Protector |1974 |10 April 1992 Safe Transporter |1971 |16 March 1992 Safe Truck |1976 |16 October 1992 Scott Protector |1974 |20 July 1992 Sea Sapphire |1973 |3 April 1992 Seaboard Capella |1968 |14 August 1992 Seaboard Castor |1947 |24 April 1992 Seaboard Illustrious |1966 |24 April 1992 Seaboard Implacable |1964 |12 August 1992 Seaboard Integrity |1968 |13 August 1992 Seaboard Intrepid |1968 |11 August 1992 Seaboard Sapphire |1980 |6 April 1992 Seaboard Sceptre |1981 |27 August 1992 Seaboard Scout |1975 |4 August 1992 Seaboard Sentry |1979 |30 September 1992 Seaboard Skua |1972 |30 March 1992 Seaboard Snipe |1972 |26 June 1992 Seaboard Sovereign |1979 |7 July 1992 Seaboard Support |1979 |18 March 1992 Seaboard Supreme |1981 |29 July 1992 Seaboard Swallow |1972 |2 March 1992 Seaboard Swan |1971 |30 April 1992 Seaboard Swift |1972 |1 July 1992 Shetland Service |1973 |2 September 1992 St. Elizabeth |1962 |5 October 1992 St. Kitts |1964 |20 December 1991 St. Louis |1962 |25 August 1992 St. Patrick |1975 |9 October 1992 St. Paul |1961 |17 January 1992 St. Phillip |1975 |23 September 1992 Tempest |1977 |9 March 1992 Toisa Conqueror |1976 |7 November 1991 Toisa Lynx |1983 |1 October 1992 Toisa Petrel |1983 |2 September 1992 Toisa Plover |1979 |28 February 1992 Toisa Sentinel |1982 |12 March 1992 Toisa Teal |1981 |1 May 1992 Toisa Tiger |1983 |6 July 1992 Toisa Widgeon |1981 |10 December 1991 Umberleigh |1960 |22 July 1992 Veesea Diamond |1979 |13 February 1992 Veesea Emerald |1980 |7 May 1992 Veesea Garnet |1975 |3 September 1992 Veesea Hurricane |1975 |21 August 1992 Veesea Sapphire |1977 |27 July 1992 Veesea Storm |1975 |9 October 1992 Veesea Tempest |1974 |29 September 1992 Veesea Topaz |1978 |23 October 1992 Veesea Tornado |1974 |16 September 1992 Veesea Typhoon |1976 |2 October 1992 Veesea Zircon |1976 |7 August 1992 Viking Fighter |1986 |9 December 1991 Winkleigh |1961 |29 March 1992 Woodleigh |1960 |9 October 1992
Search and Rescue Helicopters
Mr. Ainger : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what was the cost to his Department of the Bristow's search and rescue helicopter based at (a) Sumburgh, (b) Stornoway and (c) Lee-on-Solent for the years 1990-91, 1991-92 and the tender price for 1992-93 and 1993-94.
Mr. Norris : The information is as follows :
Year |Sumburgh |Stornoway|Solent
|£'000 |£'000 |£'000
---------------------------------------------------
1990-91 |1,874 |1,934 |1,943
1991-92 |1,860 |1,999 |1,868
1992-93<1> |1,968 |2,250 |2,035
1993-94<1> |2,079 |2,434 |2,363
<1>Forecast.
Helicopters
Mr. Ainger : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the members and the organisations they represent of the helicopter coverage group.
Mr. Norris : The numbers of the United Kingdom civil rescue helicopter coverage working group, who all signed the report on 28 October 1986, were as follows :
Capt. P. K. C. Harris CBE MNI RN (Retd)
Chairman, Chief Coastguard
Lt Cdr H. J. Neill RN (Retd)
Chief Operations Officer HM Coastguard
Mr. B. d'Oliveira OBE
Department of Transport, Civil Aviation Safety Adviser
Cdr D. B. Cairns RD MNI RN (Retd)
Chief of Operations Royal National Lifeboat Institution Mr. M. Haworth
MOD Sec (NATO/UK) Commitments
Wing Cdr I. H. R. Robins MBE MRAeS MBIM RAF
Wing Commander HELS/SAR HQ Strike Command
Cdr D. Scott RN
MOD Directorate of Naval Warfare
Mr. M. J. Woodhead
Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food, Fisheries
Inspectorate
Mr. J. Tarvit
Deputy Chief Inspector of Fisheries
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Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (Scotland)Mr. W. Hay
President Scottish Fishermen's Federation
Mr. D. R. Brooks
SEC UK Committee, DTp
Royal National Lifeboat Institution
Mr. Ainger : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what discussions he has had with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution about siting fast afloat boats at Tenby, Angle, St. Justinians and Fishguard by April 1994 ; and if he will make a statement on their response ;
(2) what discussions he has had with the board of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution over the withdrawal of search and rescue operations from RAF Brawdy in April 1994.
Mr. Norris : As a significant provider of dedicated United Kingdom search and rescue--SAT--assets, the RNLI was consulted by my Department on the implications for civil SAR consequent upon the Ministry of Defence future provision of military helicopters, including the withdrawal of such facilities from RAF Brawdy. The decision of the location of their vessels is for them, but the RNLI said that priority would be given to an early allocation in South Wales during 1994 of its new fast afloat boat--FAB. Firm decisions are expected during the first part of 1993 following normal RNLI internal consultation processes and the initiation of procurement procedures. The RNLI informs us that fast afloat lifeboats will only be stationed at a location where they can be supported. Tenby, Angle and St. Davids (St. Justinians) are slip-launch facilities and the RNLI has no intention of stationing FABs at these stations.
SOCIAL SECURITY
Mobility Allowance
7. Mr. Riddick : To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people received mobility allowance in 1979 ; and how many now receive it.
Miss Widdecombe : In 1979, a total of 95,000 people received mobility allowance ; by 1992 this figure had risen to 600,000--a more than sixfold increase. The introduction of disability living allowance will extend help with mobility costs even further.
Retirement Pension
8. Mr. Madden : To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to means test the basic state retirement pension ; and if he will make a statement.
Severe Disability Premium
9. Mr. Frank Cook : To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security whether he will amend the income support regulations to extend entitlement to the severe disability premium to claimants living with non- dependants.
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Mr. Burt : Some people living with non-dependants already have entitlement to the severe disability premium, but I have no plans to extend the premium to everyone who lives with non-dependants.
Fraud
10. Mr. Hague : To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what progress his Department has made to reduce the level of fraudulent claims for social security benefits.
Mr. Burt : We have stepped up the fight against fraud and abuse by introducing a number of organisational changes. More are planned. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has set a target of £460 million savings in this area for this year.
Social Fund
13. Ms. Quin : To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what changes his Department is considering to the operation of the social fund.
26. Mr. Wilson : To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the operation of the social fund.
Mrs. Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he intends to publish a detailed response to the recent report from York university social policy research unit on the social fund ; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. Lilley : I am carefully examining the various reports about the social fund. No decisions have been made about any changes in the future operation of the fund. As I told the hon. Member for Hartlepool (Mr. Mandelson) earlier, I am announcing today increases in social fund budgets for every district.
18. Dr. Lynne Jones : To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what consideration he has given to the introduction of an appeals procedure for those refused help from the social fund ; and what was his conclusion.
Mr. Scott : Social fund maternity, funeral and cold weather payments already have an appeal procedure. For discretionary social fund payments, I believe that the existing specialised review procedure provides an effective and independent means of redress. I am pleased to say that both the Social Security Advisory Committee and independent research from the Policy Studies Institute support my view.
Mrs. Ewing : To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he has made of the impact on charitable organisations of the operation of the social fund ; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. Scott : Evidence from the recent report by the university of York's social policy research unit suggests that few people approach charities as an alternative to the social fund.
In many other European Community countries the schemes for one-off payments are organised at a regional or local level, and greater emphasis is often placed on help from charities and voluntary organisations.
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Attendance Allowance
14. Mr. William O'Brien : To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations he has received concerning the delay in the payment of attendance allowance ; and if he will make a statement.
Miss Widdecombe : We have received many letters about claims to attendance allowance. The chief executive of the Benefits Agency wrote to all hon. Members on 19 October setting out the positive steps which the agency has taken to accelerate the processing of claims to attendance allowance and disability living allowance.
Pensioners (Income Support)
15. Ms. Hoey : To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many old-age pensioners are currently in receipt of income support.
Miss Widdecombe : There are 1.4 million people over pension age claiming income support and our increases last month in income support for pensioners, at an additional cost of £300 million, will no doubt have benefited yet more.
Benefits System (Computerisation)
16. Mr. Stern : To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what evidence he has of improvements in the service offered by the social security offices as a result of a computerisation of the benefits system.
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