To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what advice he has issued to local offices in connection with the criteria for making community care grants for clothing to former prisoners other than those with illness or handicap; and if he will make a statement.

Advice on making community care grants is issued to local offices in the form of guidance contained in the "Social Fund Manual", a copy of which is in the Library. It is for the social fund officer to decide on the merits of each individual application.