§ Mr. Howeasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance (1) what estimate was made for the purpose of preparing the figures contained in Chapter 22 of the National Plan of the probable increase by 1969–70 in the real value of benefits payable in that year in respect of National Insurance, industrial injuries insurance, war pensions, National Assistance and family allowances, respectively, and of the additional annual expenditure necessary to secure each such respective increase;
(2) what estimate she has made of the annual expenditure involved in the provision of earnings-related unemployment and sickness benefits;
(3) how much of the extra £387 million allowed by the National Plan for benefits and assistance in 1969–70 she estimates will be applied to the payment of earnings-related unemployment and sickness benefit, to the introduction of a minimum income guarantee and to increasing the real value of benefits currently payable in respect of national insurance, industrial injuries insurance, war pensions, National Assistance and family allowances, respectively.
§ Miss HerbisonChapter 22 of the National Plan explains that how the total expenditure on benefits and assistance "can best be applied, apart from the introduction of earnings-related unemployment and sickness benefit on which the Government have already reached a decision, will need to be considered in the further stages of the review of social security." For estimates of the expenditure on earnings-related unemployment and sickness benefit I would ask the hon. and learned Gentleman to await introduction of the Bill announced for this Session.