§ 14. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Minister of Social Security approximately how many people have had their earnings related supplements reduced because, in the previous year, their earnings had been below normal because of sickness or unavoidable absence, thus reducing their supplement later; what representations she has received on this matter; and if she will introduce amending legislation.
§ Mr. PentlandThe supplement is based on actual earnings in a specified tax year and it is not known in how many cases these are lower than normal because of sickness or other forms of absence. Occasional representations have been made in favour of a more elaborate earnings formula, but my right lion. Friend has no proposal to make in the context of the present interim scheme.
§ Mr. AllaunHow soon does the Minister intend to change this unfair system, which she has admitted is anomalous?
§ Mr. PentlandThis has been considered with regard to the planning of our new scheme, and many of the problems that my hon. Friend has in mind 863 will be taken into account when we are considering the formula for the new scheme.