To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to improve the co-ordination between local social security offices and local councils in relation to the payment of housing benefit; and if he will make a statement.

We attach high priority to good liaison between our local offices and local authorities and when difficulties arise we seek to remedy them promptly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if his Department or the transitional payments unit has maintained league tables of outstanding TP3 forms awaiting return from local authorities.

[holding answer 14 December 1989]: Inquiry forms TP3 were issued to local authorities in respect of over 484,000 applicants. The return of those forms has been closely monitored by the transitional payments unit. Seven local authorities each have in excess of 100 forms outstanding and in total around 3,000 applications cannot be assessed because inquiry forms have not been returned from over 200 local authorities.

To ask the Secretary or State for Social Security what information he has about the number of people in the London borough of Lambeth currently entitled to housing benefit, distinguishing between (a) certificated housing benefit, (b) uncertificated benefit, (c) assistance with rates, (d) assistance with rent, (e) council tenants and (f) private tenants and owner occupiers.

The latest complete information is in the table.