To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the estimated number of disability working allowance claimants in 1992–93 who will be liable to pay income tax.

Disability working allowance is a new tax-free benefit to be introduced from April this year. It is not possible to estimate the number of disability working allowance recipients who will be liable to pay income tax on other income in 1992–93.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the estimated administrative cost of disability working allowance for 1992–93.

The administration of disability working allowance 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.