asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) if he will initiate an inquiry into the misappropriation of £133,763 posted to claimants of statutory payments but which was not received by the payees in Northern Ireland during the 12 months prior to 31st May 1975;(2) what steps have been taken to ensure that statutory payments in Northern Ireland made by Giro cheques will not continue to be intercepted and misappropriated.

I will write to the hon. Member.