asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the anticipated cost of the Rayner committee.

I understand that the hon. Member has in mind the recent study which examined the arrangements for paying social security benefits in consultation with Sir Derek Rayner. The estimated total cost of the study carried out by three officials of my Department was £23,000. The study identified changes in the arrangements for paying benefits which. if they were ever implemented in full, might lead after some years to estimated annual savings in DHSS administrative costs of some £50 million a year. However, I have already made it clear that certain of the proposals, for example, requiring most pensioners to accept payment of their pension fortnightly, are not being proceeded with.