HC Deb 30 January 1979 vol 961 cc379-80W
74. Mr. Sproat

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services on how many occasions in the latest 12-month period for which figures are available benefits have been withdrawn from persons on the grounds that they are not seriously willing to take work available; and whether he is satisfied with the methods open to officers of his Department for dealing with those who are reluctant to take work.

Mr. Orme

Between 1 October 1977 and 30 September 1978, the latest 12 month period for which information is available, unemployment benefit was disallowed or withdrawn from claimants on 5,058 occasions because they either neglected to avail themselves of, or refused, suitable employment. As regards supplementary benefit, in 1977, 60,761 people, including 2,920 seeking work of a seasonal nature, ceased to draw benefits as a result of action taken by unemployment review officers.

I am satisfied.