To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what percentage of those registering for social security benefits did so within one month of being eligible in the last year for which figures are available; and if she will make a statement. [30177]

The information is not available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what are the forecast financial savings from reducing the registration period for benefits claims; and if she will make a statement. [30178]

The estimated savings for the proposed measure in the Social Security Bill to align the maximum backdating period for benefit claims at one month are £42 million in 1998–99 and £58 million in subsequent years. The estimate is based on a start date of June 1998 for all benefits except Housing Benefit/Council Tax Benefit which will be October 1998.