HL Deb 31 July 1981 vol 423 cc882-4

11.17 a.m.

Lord Boyd-Carpenter

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government to state which national insurance and social security benefits have been withheld from or delayed in payment to those entitled to them as a result of action by civil servants in pursuance of their own claims; and what action is being taken by Her Majesty's Government to ensure that benefits are promptly paid.

Lord Cullen of Ashbourne

My Lords, the vast majority of social security beneficiaries have continued to receive their full entitlement during the civil service dispute. But I regret to say that since 8th June it has not been possible to pay child benefit for newly-born children. Since 6th July new retirement pensioners have been paid a flat-rate interim payment until the correct entitlement can be calculated after the dispute is over. A few war pensioners normally paid monthly by the Paymaster General's Office have not been receiving payment but arrangements have been made for them to be paid if they contact a local office. In a few unemployment benefit offices staff are refusing to issue girochequcs: payments are being made by DHSS offices or, in a very few instances, by local authorities.

Lord Boyd-Carpenter

My Lords, while thanking my noble friend for that comprehensive and informative reply, and congratulating the Government on yesterday's announcement as to the outcome of the quiet firmness with which they have handled this dispute, may I ask him whether, in the light of yesterday's announcement, urgent steps will now be taken, if necessary by giving priority in instructions to the staff returning to duty, to pay those arrears which have been, as he has told the House, outstanding for some little time and which, despite the efforts of the Government, have caused very considerable hardship?

Lord Cullen of Ashbourne

My Lords, I am grateful for the words of my noble friend and his congratulations to the Government. Although the Civil Service strike is ending and those on strike will be returning to work next week, there is a considerable backlog of work, as my noble friend mentioned, caused by the stoppage of the computer which maintains the record of national insurance contributions and the computers which pay child benefit and unemployment benefit. I must make it clear to the noble Lord that it will be many months before recovery is completed in all areas. We shall give priority to recovery in areas affecting payment of benefits and the special arrangements for paying benefits which were introduced during the industrial action will continue until normal arrangements are operating.

Lord Molloy

My Lords, does the Minister agree that all forms of industrial action hurt those who believe they have been compelled to undertake it, and many others as well? That is the saddest part of industrial action. When, however, peace comes—and the settlement of yesterday we all hope indicates peace—should not the concentration of the Government be not on making any rash or belligerent statements but on seeking harmony with the Civil Service unions and returning to the high standard we have enjoyed in this country? May I ask the noble Lord to look not unkindly at some of the proposals that are being made, and to dismiss the statements of those who want to exacerbate the situation despite the settlement that has been agreed?

Lord Cullen of Ashbourne

I am sure those are very wise words, my Lords.

Lord Leatherland

My Lords, I am wondering whether I understood the Minister correctly when I gathered him to say that maternity benefits are probably some of those that are not being paid on the due date. Naturally, I have no interest to declare.

Lord Cullen of Ashbourne

I did not quite catch what the noble Lord said, my Lords; would he mind repeating it?

Lord Leatherland

My Lords, are maternity benefits some of the benefits which are not being paid on the due date? In order to make the position quite clear, I added that I had no interest to declare.

Lord Cullen of Ashbourne

My Lords, I now realise the point the noble Lord was making. I am interested to know that he has no interest in maternity benefits.

Baroness Macleod of Borve

My Lords, may I ask my noble friend to ask the departments concerned to expedite the payments to widows because they have been in very great trouble, especially those who are bringing up children, and suffering real hardship?

Lord Cullen of Ashbourne

I feel sure the widows will have a high priority, my Lord.

Lord Boyd-Carpenter

My Lords, in the light of the very deep anxiety which the situation has given rise to among the beneficiaries concerned—which will not be wholly mitigated by his indication that it will be some months before payments are normal—will my noble friend arrange that periodic statements be made, during the Recess and on the resumption of the House, of the progress made in restoring normal payments? Is he aware that this is a matter of almost life and death importance for a very large proportion of the least fortunate of our fellow citizens?

Lord Cullen of Ashbourne

My Lords, I could not be more grateful to my noble friend for that suggestion, which I will certainly pass on to my right honourable friend the Secretary of State.