News story

11th November 2002

Government Misleads Parliament Over Benefit Removal From Vulnerable

The Government has misled Parliament over the withdrawal of benefit from vulnerable pensioners.

By requesting personal information through the Data Protection Act, Steve Webb MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, obtained an unpublished Parliamentary answer outlining the number of cases of suspended attendance allowance benefits for pensioners in hospital. DWP Minister, Maria Eagle, told Mr Webb in the official Parliamentary answer that the information was not available.

Following a further question, Ms Eagle again denied that the data existed in the form requested by Mr Webb. It was only after Mr Webb used the Data Protection Act that he discovered not only that the information existed but also that the Government was aware it existed and so had knowingly misled Parliament.

Steve Webb MP, said:

“Tens of thousands of society’s most vulnerable people are affected by having their attendance allowance withdrawn whilst in hospital. Yet the Government knowingly withholds information on this important matter.

“Tony Blair has said that ‘Ministers who knowingly mislead Parliament will be expected to offer their resignation.’ Wilfully obstructing scrutiny by holding back information makes a mockery of democracy and of Parliament. The Government needs to offer a full explanation immediately.”

ENDS