Written question asked by Gregory Campbell (Democratic Unionist Party) on Tuesday, 1 February 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 9 February 2005. It was answered by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Wednesday, 9 February 2005 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what allowance is made for claimants in Northern Ireland who have speech defects, when such defects result in errors regarding social security payments for which repayment is demanded, when determining the level and extent of repayment.

Answer: Mr. Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what allowance is made for claimants in Northern Ireland who have speech defects, when such defects result in errors regarding social security payments for which repayment is demanded, when determining the level and extent of repayment. [213974] Mr. Spellar: The Social Security Agency is committed to providing the highest standard of customer care to all clients groups which includes customers with a disability. If it is apparent that a customer has a speech defect, all possible assistance (including the use of private interview facilities) is given to meet the customer's specific needs and to minimise the risk of gathering inaccurate information. If a customer is dissatisfied with the outcome of a decision he or she can exercise his or her right of appeal.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 430 c1602-3W; 213974
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Applications Maladministration Northern Ireland Social security benefits Standards Repayments Social Security Agency Speech and language disorders
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk