asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether his Department plans to issue a leaflet to all claimants explaining their rights to single payments under the new supplementary benefit scheme; and if not, why not.

Everyone claiming supplementary benefit or whose benefit changes significantly in amount will receive a copy of leaflet SB8 or SB9. These contain a list of the main items for which single payments may be made and a reference to leaflet. SB16 ("Lump Sum Payments for Special Needs") for further information. In addition, anyone enquiring about single payments will be given a copy of SB16.