§ Q3. Mr. Andrew F. Bennettasked the Prime Minister if she will take steps to publicise the additional benefit that can be obtained by persons registering for earnings-related benefit in the last week of the current, compared with the first week of the following, year.
§ The Prime MinisterThe abolition of earnings-related benefit at the beginning of next month, and the transitional arrangements that accompany it, are being publicised through posters in DHSS local offices and unemployment benefit offices, through a new leaflet, and in the media.
§ Mr. BennettIf the Government's economic strategy is working, why is it necessary to abolish the earnings-related benefit, which will mean that new claimants will be £11 a week worse off?
§ The Prime MinisterThat matter was fully debated when it was put through the House. There was an opportunity to vote on it. I have nothing to add to the detailed discussion that took place.
§ Mr. Paul DeanWill my right hon. Friend also give publicity to the fact that pensions have been increased by 52 per cent. under her Administration? When the cost of social security benefits is increasing so rapidly, is it not common sense to give top priority to those most in need, including pensioner couples, widows and disabled people?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir. I wholly agree with my hon. Friend. That is exactly what we have done. In fact, retirement pensions have kept up with the cost of living.
§ Mr. Donald StewartIs the Prime Minister aware that the imposition of the NATO base on the Western Isles is resisted by most of the people there—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. The right hon. Gentleman's question is not related to earnings-related benefit.
§ Mr. McCrindleWill my right hon. Friend take this opportunity to repeat that the Government's policy on the taking up of social benefits is to give publicity to what is available and to encourage the maximum take-up at the same time as the Government pursue their perfectly legitimate campaign against the fraudulent claims about which we are sometimes abused?
§ The Prime MinisterMy hon. Friend has expressed it perfectly. I cannot improve upon what he has said. I can only endorse his remarks.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyWill my right hon. Friend take steps to ensure that when poor families apply for any benefit, the benefit office checks to see whether they are entitled to any other benefits at the same time?
§ The Prime MinisterThat is an administrative matter. It seems to be a good idea that that should happen. I shall, of course, convey the suggestion to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services, who may have heard it, to see whether it is administratively possible.