§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how many people registered for jobseeker's allowance on 7 October at each social security office covering the constituency of South Down; and of these how many were considered eligible; [6395]
(2) how many people were in receipt of unemployment benefit on 4 October at each social security agency covering the constituency of South Down; of these how many applied for jobseeker's allowance on 7 October and of these how may were considered eligible for this allowance. [6396]
§ Mr. MossResponsibility for the subject has been delegated to the Social Security Agency under its chief executive, Mr. Alec Wylie and I have asked him to arrange for a response to be given.
Letter from Mr. Alex Wylie to Mr. Eddie McGrady, dated 29 November 1996:
629WI have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions on Jobseeker's Allowance and Unemployment Benefit.The number of people registered for Jobseeker's Allowance on 7 October 1996 at each Social Security Office covering the constituency of South down and the number considered eligible is set out on the attached table (APPENDIX A).I have also attached a table (APPENDIX B) illustrating the number of people claiming Unemployment Benefit on 4 October 1996 in the same Social Security Offices. These customers were not required to terminate their claim to register for Jobseeker's Allowance on 7 October 1996. However, from 7 October 1996, all Unemployment Benefit claims will be dealt with in accordance with Jobseeker's Allowance rules and regulations.I hope this explains the position for you but I would be happy to provide any further information you require.
Appendix A: Number of jobseeker's allowance claims registered on 7 October 1996 in the South Down district and the number of eligible claims Social security office Number registered Number eligible Newcastle 6 6 Kilkeel 0 0 Newry 17 16 Banbridge 11 11 Ballynahinch 5 5 Downpatrick 11 11 Total 50 49
Appendix B: Number of people claiming unemployment benefit on 4 October 1996 in the South Down District Social security office Number in receipt of unemployment benefit on 4 October 1996 Newcastle 1,186 Kilkeel 967 Newry 5,826 Banbridge 1,492 Ballynahinch 883 Downpatrick 1,873 Total 12,227