To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received regarding the allocations to his Department's offices to cover social fund payments during 1988–89; and if he will review these allocations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received regarding the allocations to his Department's offices to cover social fund payments during 1988–89; and if he will review these allocations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received regarding the allocations to his Department's offices to cover social fund payments during 1988–89; and if he will review these allocations.

We have received letters from about 45 hon. Members and from about 10 members of the public. In addition, about 25 local offices have raised operational questions relating to their budget allocation. Allocations will be reviewed only in exceptional circumstances; for example, if a boundary change between offices occurs, or if there is a sudden unforeseen and unforeseeable call on a local office's budgets arising, for example, from a local disaster or emergency such as a flood.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will define the term "poor risk" in connection with his Department's local offices refusing loans under the new social security arrangements; and if he will make a statement.

The term "poor risk" is not one which is used in the directions and guidance issued to social fund officers to enable them to decide applications for loans made to the social fund. The directions and guidance issued for this purpose are contained in parts 3 and 4 of the "Social Fund Manual", a copy of which is in the Library.