§ 89. Mr. Doigasked the Minister of Social Security if she will review the regulations for seasonal workers receiving benefit.
§ Miss Margaret HerbisonNo. It would be unfair to contributors generally if seasonal workers did not have to satisfy additional benefit conditions in order to get unemployment benefit for the periods when they are not normally employed.
§ 90. Mr. Liptonasked the Minister of Social Security if she will investigate the circumstances in which a medical practitioner, details of whose case has been sent to her, is drawing unemployment benefit at the Edgware Road, London, Employment Exchange while taking a course to qualify as a consultant; and if she will make a statement.
§ Miss Margaret HerbisonIt is a basic condition for the award of unemployment benefit that the claimant must be available for employment. Whether a person who is taking a course satisfies this condition is a matter for the independent adjudicating authorities who decide claims to benefit.
In the case to which my hon. Friend's Question refers, I understand that the insurance officer is to review his decision to award benefit in the light of the doctor's statements about his course. Meanwhile payment of benefit has been suspended.