HC Deb 04 December 1967 vol 755 c939
31. Mr. Kenneth Lewis

asked the Minister of Social Security how much in social security payments was paid to the families of dockers during the recent strike in the London Docks.

Mrs. Hart

Supplementary benefits amounting to £102,640 were paid.

Mr. Lewis

Would not the right hon. Lady agree that we would seem to have reached the position that when damaging, irresponsible and unofficial strikes take place, the country is taking the view that it should not both suffer and pay?

Mrs. Hart

I am not sure what the hon. Gentleman has in mind, but there is a real difficulty here. I am sure that he would not be suggesting that the wives and children should have nothing at all. This is the difficulty.