§ Mr. Concannonasked the Minister of Social Security what consultations she had with the National Union of Mineworkers before the introduction of the earnings-related short-term benefits, in view of the fact that this was the only industry to take advantage of the scheme for supplementary industrial injury benefits which is also affected by the earnings-related benefits.
§ Mr. Harold DaviesConsultations about the earnings-related short-term benefits scheme were not held with individual trades unions but, in accordance with the usual practice, with the Trades Union Congress on which, of course, the National Union of Mineworkers is represented. During these discussions and during the passage of the National Insurance Act, 1966, it was made clear that modification of occupational schemes, such as those which provide additional payments during incapacity for work, as a result of the new national scheme, was not a matter for my Department but for the employers concerned in negotiation with their employees.