HC Deb 15 December 1971 vol 828 cc143-4W
Mr. Bray

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what his plans are for implementing the regulations deferring the payment of temporary unemployment benefit; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. David Clark

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will suspend the decision of 24th May, 1971, to stop the payment of unemployment benefit for the first six days of any period of lay-off.

Mr. Bishop

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received regarding his policy whereby as from 1st January, 1972, unemployment benefit will not be paid for persons working short-time; and if he will seek to amend the National Insurance Act, 1966 (Commencement No. 3) Order, 1971, so that unemployment benefit is payable to those working short-time.

Sir K. Joseph

I have been impressed by the increasingly strong representations made to me by both sides of industry about the difficulties which the introduction of restrictions on the payment of flat-rate unemployment benefit to workers who have to be laid off for temporary periods by their employer would cause with short-time working and unemployment at their present levels. I have, therefore, decided, without prejudice to the merits of imposing the restrictions at some future date, that they should not now take effect on 1st January, 1972. I shall be making an Order for this purpose shortly.

Mr. David Clark

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many organisations have made representations to him opposing the Government decision to stop unemployment benefit for the first six days of any suspension from work as from 1st January, 1972; and if he will publish their names.

Sir K. Joseph

Over 40. I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by publishing their names.

Mr. David Clark

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many organisations have made representations to him in support of the Government decision to stop payment of unemployment benefit for the first six days of any suspension from work as from 1st January, 1972; and if he will publish their names.

Sir K. Joseph

None.