HC Deb 30 November 1981 vol 14 cc37-8W
Mr. Rooker

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has made any estimate of the extra numbers who may claim supplementary benefit as a result of the proposed employers' statutory sick pay scheme.

Mrs. Chalker

It is estimated that there will be no significant overall change in the numbers claiming supplementary benefit as a result of introducing statutory sick pay.

Mr. Rooker

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has made a revised estimated, since the passing of the Social Security (No. 2) Act 1980, of the extra numbers claiming supplementary benefit in 1982 due to the abolition of all earnings-related supplements; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Chalker

We currently estimate that there will be about 125,000 extra claimants on supplementary benefit in 1982 following the reduction and subsequent abolition of the earnings-related supplements.