§ Mr. SalmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on new regulations introduced by the Department of Social Security on 10 December 1989 relating to unemployment benefit payments; and if any research has been carried out into the impact of the benefits changes on fishermen now restricted in the number of days they can go to sea.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardThe new earnings levels for unemployment benefit apply equally to all claimants. We are aware of the concerns of the fishing industry and the Department is in contact with fishermen's representatives. We are monitoring the effects of the changes.