Monday, 17 November 1997
The House met at half-past Two o'clock
[MADAM SPEAKER in the Chair]
The Secretary of State was asked—
What meetings she has recently held with (a) disabled people and (b) disability organisations.[14630]
If she plans to announce proposed changes to the state old-age pension system before the Christmas Adjournment. [14631]
What assessment she has made of the impact of the single room rent rules for housing benefit for recipients aged under 25 years. [14633]
What proposals her Department has to encourage lone parents to find employment. [14634]
If she will make a statement on the role of the pension provision group. [14635]
What estimate she has made of the number of new claims by lone parents for income support in financial years (a) 1997–98 and (b) 1998–99. [14636]
What steps she is taking to make benefit information and advice available (a) by telephone and (b) electronically. [14637]
What plans she has to move towards the harmonisation of the social security system of the UK with its European partners. [14638]
What is the current average response time by Child Support Agency offices to inquiries for reviews submitted by (a) individuals and (b) hon. Members on behalf of constituents. [14639]
What assessment she has made of the benefits of calculating future pension increases on the basis of the rise in average earnings. [14640]
What plans she has to ensure that appeals by benefit claimants are dealt with more speedily. [14641]
What is the comparative administrative cost of distributing (a) means—tested benefits and (b) benefits which are not means-tested. [14642]
If she will make a statement on the Government's plans for pension sharing. [14643]
What changes she proposes to make to child maintenance assessments by the Child Support Agency; and over what time scale. [14644]
On a point of order, Madam Speaker. I should like to raise an important matter relating to my constituency, of which I have given you notice. It is the report on the front page of the business...
[4TH ALLOTTED DAY]
I have selected the amendment in the name of the Prime Minister.
[Relevant documents: First report from the Committee (HC30-I, II and III) and memoranda laid before the Committee (HC 30-IV).]
Ordered,That Mr. Cynog Dafis and Mr. Matthew Taylor be added to the Environmental Audit Committee. —[Mr. Jamieson.]
Ordered,
Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House do now adjourn. —[Mr. Jamieson.]
Debates in the House of Commons are an opportunity for MPs from all parties to scrutinise government legislation and raise important local, national or topical issues.
And sometimes to shout at each other.