Monday, 19 April 1999
The House met at half-past Two o'clock
[MADAM SPEAKER in the Chair]
Considered; to be read the Third time.
The Secretary of State was asked—
What estimate he has made of the proportion of the working population who have provided only for the basic state pension and have incomes between £9,000 and £20,000. [79728]
When he last met the Commission of the European Union to discuss social security policy in the European Union. [79729]
What percentage of amounts paid out by his Department are subject to means testing. [79730]
What assessment he has made of the effect of benefits payable to disabled people on their ability to find employment. [79731]
If he will make a statement on the level of fraud within the social security system. [79732]
What training his Department plans to give to personal advisers working for the new deal for the disabled. [79733]
If he will make a statement on the operation of the habitual residence test following the Swaddling judgment. [79735]
What assessment he has made of the effect of his pension reform plans on the level of means testing in the benefits system. [79736]
When he expects to bring forward proposals to reform housing benefit. [79737]
How many responses he received by 31 March to his consultation paper on pensions. [79738]
What arrangements he is making for paying the winter fuel allowance for 1999–2000. [79741]
What recent assessment he has made of the availability of benefits for carers. [79744]
What assessment he has made of the performance of the new deal for disabled people's innovative schemes. [79747]
If he will make a statement on whether he will consider a further application by Miss H. McNulty for a social fund payment; and if a home visit will take place in this case. [79748]
What support is being given to people with disabilities who wish to move from welfare to work. [79749]
What plans he has to assist parents with the costs of bringing up children. [79752]
What plans he has to improve co"ordination between the Benefits Agency and local authorities in combating fraud. [79753]
If he will make a statement about his Department's contribution to the national carers' strategy. [79756]
What recent representations he has received on the level of retirement pensions. [79757]
I have a brief statement to make. The House will recall that on 22 March, following the conviction of the hon. Member for Newark in the Crown court on a charge of making a false declaration as to...
[Relevant documents: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Foreign Affairs Committee on 14th April 1999 (HC 188-ii).]
Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House do now adjourn.—[Mr. Robert Ainsworth.]
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.