asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when she expects her inter-departmental group to conclude its studies of alternatives to the present arrangements of enforcing maintenance orders.

The group is examining the Finer Committee's proposals for a system of administrative orders to be operated by the Supplementary Benefits Commission for the recovery of maintenance due to women receiving supplementary benefit. It is also studying possible alternative ways of meeting the committee's aims in this area. It hopes to conclude its studies by the spring.