asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what detailed representations he has received from the Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation concerning the provisions of the Social Security (No. 2) Bill; what reply he has sent or is sending; what action he is taking; and if he will make a statement.

The Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation has written expressing concern about the proposal to abate invalidity benefit and about the proposed change in the linking rule; it has also asked for details of the savings involved in the latter change. Officials of my Department met officers of the organisation yesterday to explain the proposals and the financial implications in more detail.I hope to meet RADAR representatives myself at a later date.