§ 21. Mr. Arthur Davidsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what success has been achieved from the policy of making more rigorous checks on the bona fides of young people applying for social security benefits.
§ Mr. SwinglerI understand that my hon. Friend is referring to the new steps relating to young unemployed persons announced by my right hon. Friend the Paymaster-General as Minister of Social Security, on 25th July, following consultation with the Supplementary Benefits Commission. Between 14th October and 19th November, 8,950 young, single, unskilled men were given short term allowances under these arrangements when they first claimed; and 605 men and women under age 45 had their allowances curtailed on review after receiving them for three months. In the same period 113 appeals were heard against cessation of an allowance, of which 10 were revised by the Appeal Tribunals.
§ Mr. DavidsonIs my hon. Friend aware that the measures to which he has referred for tightening the procedures by which young people get supplementary benefits will be welcomed in the country as a whole? Can my hon. Friend say whether there is any evidence that many young people are deliberately choosing, or applying, for supplementary benefits instead of applying for work?
§ Mr. SwinglerI am grateful to my hon. Friend for what he said at the beginning of his supplementary question.
I think there is evidence that this campaign has been successful in getting these people into employment, and these measures are, therefore, being continued.
§ Mr. NottAlthough many alleged cases of abuse are based on hearsay, and do not stand up to detailed examination, it is, nevertheless, demoralising for a wide section of the working population, and particularly the elderly, who genuinely believe that many young people, particularly in seaside areas, are abusing the Social Security scheme. Will the Minister do all in his power to let local Social Security offices show what they are doing to check abuses?
§ Mr. SwinglerI shall be grateful for any suggestions as to how we might better the present system. I agree with the hon. Gentleman that we want to stamp out any abuse which occurs. I shall be grateful for any evidence of such matters. I assure the hon. Gentleman that any cases will be thoroughly investigated.