§ Mr. EvennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment how he intends to respond to the recent employment appeal tribunal decision on the case of Mrs. Kay Jackson; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NichollsIn line with the assurance given to the House in debate on 8 November 1989, the decision of the employment appeal tribunal will now be honoured in the case of Mrs. Jackson as well as in all the other outstanding tribunal cases. No appeal against it will be made. Following the decision the Treasury solicitor is in touch with the applicants to review their respective positions.
In making a child care allowance available to lone parents on ET, the Government sought to give special help and support to a group known to be particularly disadvantaged in the labour market and to face disproportionate difficulties in taking up training.
The resources that the Government can commit to child care are necessarily limited. The Government believe that it is right that lone parents should have the first claim on those resources. An order made under the Employment Act 1989 and effective from 19 December 1989 allows the continuation of current special arrangements to lone parents.