asked the Secretary of State for Social Services why attendance allowance books were recently called in and shorter period books issued; and how much public money was spent on this and for what purpose.

The shorter period order books will obviate the need to recall and overstamp or replace order books each time attendance allowance rates are increased. These new arrangements will be more convenient to beneficiaries and there will be a saving in administrative costs to the Department. The initial cost was about £25,000 but this will be outweighed by the anticipated savings.