§ Dr. Godmanasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many former employees of British Shipbuilders Ltd. have had their claims for unemployment benefits met in light of the decision made by Mr. M. J. Goodman, social security commissioner, in Southampton on 23 September 1986; and if he will now authorise similar payments to other redundant British Shipbuilders' employees.
§ Mr. LeeSome 25,000 claims for arrears of unemployment benefit have been made following the commissioner's decision. These are being examined individually. Many claims have been met, but a precise figure is not available from benefit statistics. The law requires each benefit claim to be determined individually by independent adjudicating authorities who take account of case law laid down in commissioners' decisions. Individual claimants will be informed about the outcome of their claim as soon as possible.