asked the Secretary of State for Social Services it he will list the areas in which he has discretion in disputed cases of non-payment of social security, sickness and unemployment benefit.

I assume that my hon. Friend has in mind those who have lost employment by reason of the recent stoppage of work due to the dispute at the Isle of Grain. Payment of supplementary benefit is a matter for the Supplementary Benefits Commission, and entitlement to unemployment benefit and sickness benefit is a matter for decision by the independent adjudicating authorities. I have no power to intervene in the decisions of these independent authorities. If, however, my hon. Friend has some other point in mind, perhaps she will let me know.