§ Mr. Steelasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will increase sickness benefit for women to the same level as that for men.
§ Mr. MeacherSingle women already qualify for sickness benefit and unemployment benefit at the same rate as men. Under the new scheme due to come into operation in April 1978 under the provisions of the Social Security Pensions Act 1975 married women who qualify for sickness or unemployment benefit will do so at the same rates as men and single women.