§ Mr. John Grantasked the Secretary of State for Employment what notification he has given to the European Commission of his proposed changes in maternity benefit; whether he has had discussions with the Commission about the proposals 111W and about moves for harmonisation of these benefits within the EEC; and, if so, what reactions he received.
§ Mr. Jim LesterI shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.
§ Mr. John Grantasked the Secretary of State for Employment what has been the annual cost to central Government funds of claims to maternity benefit for each of
Period No. of Claims Amount Paid Average Payment April 77—March 78 … … … 67,366 £13,809,647 £204.99 April 78—March 79 … … … 107,953 £25,980,108 £240.66 April 79—December 79 … … … 83,696 £21,842,574 £261.00
§ Mr. John Grantasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list those organisations which have made representations to him for curtailment or abolition of maternity benefit rights and also those organisations which have made representations to him opposing the Government's proposed changes as outlined in his consultative document and subsequent Employment Bill.
§ Mr. MayhewI shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.