To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many severe hardship allowance payments were made to young people for the year 1990–91 (a) in the North and (b) in South Tees benefit area; and how many have been made in the first six months of 1991–92.

The administration of income support is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member and copies will be placed in the Library and the Public Information Office.