§ 36. Mr. Randallasked the Minister of National Insurance what benefits are available to an expectant mother who intends to resume her employment after confinement but is unable because of the heavy nature of her employment to continue work up to the 39th week of pregnancy as required by the regulations; and what are the regulations about her maternity benefit.
17W
§ Mr. SteeleI assume that my hon. Friend is mainly concerned with the special maternity allowance of 36s. a week payable from a date about six weeks, before childbirth to women normally in employment. The contribution conditions for this special allowance require that out of the 52 weeks before the date when it becomes payable the woman must have had 45 contributions paid or credited, of which 26 must be for weeks of actual work. A woman who failed to satisfy these contribution conditions would normally still qualify for maternity grant and also for the attendance allowance which is the alternative provision for the housewife.