§ 3. Mr. Andrew MacKayasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is satisfied with the present arrangements for paying supplementary benefit during strikes.
§ The Minister for Social Security (Mr. Stanley Orme)Yes, Sir. Where necessary special arrangements have to be made to cope with the extra work load.
§ Mr. MacKayIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in all parts of the House there is considerable concern about the increasing number of strikes where, first, there has not been a ballot of the workers concerned? Bearing that in mind, and the fact that most hon. Members agree in principle with the paying of supplementary benefit to strikers, should not he be considering in his review the making of an exception of those who are on strike without first having had a secret ballot of the workers involved?
§ Mr. OrmeNo. Supplementary benefit is paid to families only where need is proved, and that will continue.
§ Mr. Christopher PriceWill my right hon. Friend stand up against the campaign from the Opposition to penalise the rising generation, for whom we should 1201 be providing resources by, for example, providing supplementary benefit? Is he aware that at the next General Election Conservatives look like having a deliberate campaign against that generation?
§ Mr. OrmeI accept what my hon. Friend has said. The right hon. Member for Wanstead and Woodford (Mr. Jenkin) has brought the issue into the political arena in a recent speech. I can only reiterate that I and the Government will stand up to the campaign. We believe that where benefit is due to families of strikers and to others who are entitled it should be paid.
§ Mr. StokesDoes the right hon. Gentleman agree that, instead of taxpayers having to find the money, the unions should look after their members' families?