To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many Social Fund cases are currently being handled clerically; and if he will make a statement. (245450)

The information requested is not available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent estimate he has made of the monetary value of all social fund loans awaiting recovery. (245456)

Recoveries from social fund loans are recycled in the form of new loans. This means that, at the end of a financial year, the amount outstanding on all social fund loans is the total that the Government have invested in the social fund since its inception (apart from write-offs).

At 31 March 2008, the amount outstanding on all social fund loans in Great Britain was £906 million.

Notes:

1. social fund loans consist of Budgeting Loans and Crisis Loans.

2. The figure includes amounts outstanding on loans which have been partially repaid.

Source:

Social Fund Account 2007-08.