HC Deb 27 April 1964 vol 694 cc17-8
18. Mr. Lawson

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he has yet reached a decision on wage-related unemployment benefit; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Wood

I have nothing to add to the reply I gave on 24th February to a similar question from the hon. Member for Fife, West (Mr. W. Hamilton).

Mr. Lawson

Will the Minister bear in mind that this is now established practice in most of the advanced industrial countries? Will he also bear in mind that the Labour Party for a long time have advocated this? Will he further bear in mind that National Insurance contribution on a worker's earnings now is markedly higher proportionately to the benefit he gets?

Mr. Wood

I think the hon. Member has demonstrated that there are some very important questions to examine, and that is why this is taking some time.