To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security whether unemployed claimants who are receiving income support who participate in European social fund vocational training courses provided either by (a) voluntary organisations or local authorities, or (b) training and enterprise councils or local enterprise companies are required to be available for, and actively seeking, employment.

I refer the hon. Member to my reply to her on 26 February at column 537.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the total value for the last 12-month period for which records are available, of assistance paid to mortgagors currently in receipt of income support, for (a) direct help with mortgage interest payments, (b) passported help from the social fund for help with the cost of furniture and other essential household items and (c) other passported help from the social fund, by category; and if he will subdivide the figures into childless, couples with children, and lone parent household categories.

[holding answer 27 February 1992]: The information required for (b) and (c) is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The information requested for (a) is as follows: