asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether officials of his Department have the power to make bank managers reveal the state of bank accounts of persons on, or asking to go on, social security benefits; and if he will make a statement.

No, but a claimant is required to satisfy the Supplementary Benefits Commission as to his financial circumstances and, if he has a bank account, this involves either producing a bank statement or giving his authority for the Commission to approach his bank.