§ Mr. Litterickasked the Secretary of State for Employment what representations he has received concerning the 622W allowance of social security benefits to unemployed students by officials of the Harborne Lane, Birmingham, office of his Department during the recent Christmas vacation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GoldingApart from my hon. Friend's letter dated 12th January, I have had one from Sally Wilde, acting chairman of Birmingham University Guild of Students' Welfare Committee, expressing concern that the staff of Selly Oak, Harborne Lane, Birmingham, unemployment benefit office had discouraged students from claiming benefits in the Christmas vacation. I am advised that the staff gave advice on whether or not some claims would be likely to succeed, but no claims were refused, and in the event more than 500 claims from students were taken.