To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many claimants in receipt of income support were having deductions made for (a) social fund loans, (b) fuel costs, (c) in respect of assumed rent and rate contributions from other members of the household and (d) other deductions on 1 January at each social security agency in Northern Ireland; and what were the figures on 1 January 1991 and 1 January 1989.

Social Security operational matters are the responsibility of Mr. Alec Wylie, chief executive of the Social Security Agency. He will write to the hon. Gentleman and copies of his reply will be placed in the Library and the Public Information Office.