§ Ms. Jo Richardson (Barking)I have two petitions to present, both of which are brief. The first was organised and taken around by members of the Brighton Labour party. Significantly, it is signed by 10 members of the borough council. The petition reads:
To the Honourable the Commons of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Parliament assembled. The Humble Petition of United Kingdom residents sheweth that the proposals in the Green Paper on Social Security will, if enacted, severely disadvantage the people of Brighton. Wherefore your Petitioners pray that your Honourable House.
Vote against legislation to give effect to the Green Paper realising that Brighton has wage levels 12 per cent. below the regional average, some 4,500 people lost money as a result of the Housing Benefit reductions in 1984, and that Brighton Borough Council charges rates which are 40 per cent. above the national average.
And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray, etc.
To lie upon the Table.