§ Ms. ShortTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many unemployed claimants have, since 9 October 1989,(a) been issued with warning letters for not actively seeking work, (b) had their claims referred to an adjudication officer for not actually seeking work, (c) had their claims allowed or disallowed and (d) been referred to an adjudication officer for refusing suitable employment; how many of those in (d) have had their benefits disqualified; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NeedhamUp to 9 April 1990, just over 5,000 unemployed claimants in Northern Ireland were interviewed specifically about their efforts to find work. As a558W result, 67 claims were referred to the adjudication officer and of these 25 were allowed and 42 disallowed. In addition, a further five claims were referred to the adjudication officer on grounds of refusing employment and of these two were disallowed. Given the difference in administrative arrangements as compared with those in Great Britain, the actively seeking work condition has been introduced in Northern Ireland in a sensible and sensitive manner.