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Social Security (Income Support and Jobseeker’s Allowance) Amendment Regulations 2006

My Lords, we undertake to be in touch with noble Lords before the matter is debated in another place. The noble Lord, Lord Skelmersdale—apologising for perhaps sounding like a conspiracy theorist—asked why this order has been brought forward in time. As far as we are aware, no orders have been brought forward. It was decided that this would be introduced today and it was scheduled for today. If the noble Lord, Lord Skelmersdale, is saying that it was already scheduled for the Order Paper and was brought forward, again, I will be very happy to look at that and let him know why the Whips’ Office decided to reschedule it. Our view is that we are debating an order that was put on the Order Paper for today. Both noble Lords asked about the 96 hours in relation to anyone suspected of terrorism. All I need to say is that the 96 hours does not apply to anyone in detention being questioned on a terrorist matter. The noble Lord, Lord Skelmersdale, asked if this order went through the benefit simplification unit. The answer is yes, although this change pre-dates the requirement for consultation with simplification. However, it is aware of the change and has approved it as a simplification because it is beneficial to the customer as financial support is maintained. It also reduces administrative costs. I believe that I have addressed the questions asked. As I said, I will return to noble Lords on the eight-week period.