Paula Bennett. Pic: NZPA

Wellington, Feb 18 NZPA - Social Development Minister Paula Bennett is tracking down the Work and Income staffer who wrote to beneficiaries telling them to take out loans to cover their debts.

After being tackled on it in Parliament, Ms Bennett said last night she was "appalled" by the "totally unacceptable" advice that beneficaires should go to loan sharks.

"I've asked the chief executive of the Ministry of Social Development to get to the bottom of this matter," she said.

"I'm confident his investigation with be thorough."

Labour's social development spokeswoman Annette King tabled the letters in Parliament. They also suggested beneficaries should pawn their possessions.