§ Mr. Gwynfor Evansasked the Minister of Social Security if she will introduce legislation to ensure that when people have to change their work they will, in the interval between losing one job and getting another, be given sufficient financial support to avoid suffering to them and their families.
§ Miss HerbisonThe situation which the hon. Member has in mind is already met by the National Insurance, National Assistance and Ministry of Social Security Acts. Under the first, unemployment benefit is provided for people who have lost their jobs and as recently as 6th October was increased by supplements of up to £7 a week based on previous earnings. The National Assistance and Ministry of Social Security Acts provide, the one up to 28th November and the other after that date, for the payment of a supplementary allowance where necessary.