§ Mr. Leeasked the Secretary of State for Employment what plans the Government have to extend fortnightly payment of unemployment benefits.
§ Mr. PriorThe Government are satisfied that the arrangements for fortnightly payment of unemployment benefits which have been tested since September 1977 give an improved service to claimants as well as making significant savings in expenditure.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services has today laid regulations before the House to allow fortnightly payments to be extended throughout Great Britain in September this year, together with a copy of a report from the National Insurance Advisory Committee which recommends that the regulations should be made.