§ Ms ShortTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many decisions, disallowances and warning letters were issued in respect of actively seeking employment since April 1990; how many income support and unemployment benefit claimants have (i) successfully and (ii) unsuccessfully claimed income support under the hardship rules, showing those whose claim was in doubt due to(a) not actively seeking work, (b) refusing suitable employment and (c) availability for work; and if he will make a statement about the introduction of the job-seeker's allowance in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. AncramThe information which is available shows that, from September 1991 to April 1994, 44 adjudication officer decisions were made on actively seeking work. Information about the numbers of disallowances or warning letters for not actively seeking work and claims to income support under the hardship rules is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security has announced plans to replace unemployment benefit and income support for unemployed people with a new job-seeker's allowance in Great Britain in April 1996. The new benefit will be introduced in Northern Ireland according to the same timetable.