To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people claim each benefit payable (a) at each of the Heywood and Middleton social security offices and (b) in the United Kingdom.

The administration of benefits in Great Britain is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member with such information as is available and copies will be placed in the Library and the Public Information Office. Information about Northern Ireland is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.