HC Deb 06 June 1996 vol 278 cc529-30W
Mrs. Anne Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many pensioners will be affected by the reductions in the reduced earnings allowance. [30833]

Mr. Roger Evans

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Barnsley, West and Penistone (Mr. Clapham) on 25 April, column252.

Mr. Clapham

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what modification will be made in the application of the good cause clause in reduced earnings allowance cases which are restricted to 12 months' retrospection; and how they will now apply. [31258]

Mr. Evans

No change has been made to the application of the good cause provisions for late claims to reduced earnings allowance. However, where there is good cause for a late claim or application for review of an award made on or after 24 March 1996, a maximum 12 months arrears of reduced earnings allowance is payable, in line with other, non-industrial injuries benefits.

Mr. Clapham

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if reduced earnings allowance will continue to be paid to a married woman who reaches 60 years of age but who has insufficient national insurance contributions to claim a retirement pension in her own right and her husband is in full-time employment and under 65 years of age. [31256]

Mr. Evans

Reduced earnings allowance recipients who have given up regular employment will transfer to retirement allowance after reaching state pension age.

Mr. Clapham

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what are the reasons for the 12-month restriction on back dating reduced earnings allowance in cases where the effects of a latent injury or disease have resulted in a loss of faculty which has reduced the claimant's earnings capacity; and what further retrospection will be allowed in such cases to the date of the last application for an award. [31257]

Mr. Evans

The introduction of a maximum 12-month period for payment of arrears of reduced earnings allowance is designed to bring the allowance into line with other, non-industrial injuries, earnings replacement benefits such as incapacity benefit or income support. Reduced earnings allowance is payable only in respect of industrial accidents occurring or prescribed diseases with a date of onset, before 1 October 1990. It is not justifiable to continue backdating payments in such claims indefinitely. Reduced earnings allowance can still be backdated for a maximum of 12 months where someone can show good cause for making a late claim.

Mr. Tom Clarke

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many representations he has received regarding the reduction in reduced earnings allowance; and how many of these representations express support for the changes he has made. [31143]

Mr. Evans

As at 31 May, 97 right hon. Members and two organisations have written to Ministers. The letters have generally expressed concern or sought clarification.