HC Deb 30 January 1985 vol 72 c222W
Mr. Waller

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action will be taken to recover amounts of benefit overpaid during the strike by computer staff at his Department's Newcastle upon Tyne office.

Mr. Newton

Beneficiaries will be invited to repay any excess amount, but in general we will not press for repayment of overpayments that arose because the Newcastle dispute which the claimant could not reasonably have been expected to prevent or realise, or which had not been accompanied by some clear understanding about subsequent adjustment.