§ 13. Mr. RoweTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what measures to reform social security benefits are being taken in other European countries; and what comparison he has made with his own approach to welfare reforms.
§ Mr. ScottMost European countries are having to take immediate steps to contain social security costs, and balance budgets, because of rising unemployment and changes in social and demographic trends.
§ Mr. RoweCan my right hon. Friend confirm that, since 1979, our social security budget has risen two thirds? Is not that in remarkable contrast to the panic action by many of our European Union partners, with which we have traditionally been unfavourably compared?
§ Mr. ScottI certainly agree. As all the countries of Europe and developing countries face pressures on their social security budgets, it is right that we should plan to meet those pressures sooner than many of our neighbours have been able to do, and not be compelled to adopt the short-term, panicky measures to which some of them have been driven.
§ Mr. TrimbleWill the Minister consult the authorities in Italy on whether it is the practice there to pay social 628 security to the leaders of the Mafia and the heads of Mafia organisations? If it is not, perhaps he would follow their example and so ensure that the leaders of Sinn Fein/IRA, including Mr. Gerard Adams, do not draw income support and thus become entitled to legal aid to challenge Government decisions?
§ Mr. ScottI am not sure that I would like to delve too far into practices in Italy in respect of the Mafia, but I draw the hon. Gentleman's attention to the remarks made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State earlier in these exchanges, in which he promised to draw a certain gentleman's position to the attention of my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.