Industrial Disputes (Benefit)

HC Deb 15 March 1973 vol 852 c401W

Mr. John Page

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how must has been paid out in social security benefit to the families of those engaged in the current industrial disputes in the gas and railway industry and the hospital service.

Mr. Dean

By 6th March payments of £1,908, nil and nil respectively had been reported.

Mr. Tom King

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether the receipt of any tax rebate by a person on strike is taken into account in determining the level of supplementary benefit; and if not, what are the reasons for this practice.

Mr. Dean

Yes. The Social Security Act 1971 provided for PAYE refunds to be treated as income and taken into account for supplementary benefit purposes, subject to the normal disregard of £1 of miscellaneous income.