To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if his staff have been given training in debt counselling; and what guidance has been given to staff when arranging loans under the social fund as to the consideration to be given to other debts which claimants may have.

Social fund officers receive training which includes money advice. In addition guidance on money advice is contained in part 9 of the social fund manual, which has been published. Guidance on the consideration to be given to other debts is contained in parts 3, 4 and 5 of the social fund manual.