§ 26. Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the total cost to the Supplementary Benefits Commission of payments made to those involved in industrial disputes and their dependants during the first five months of 1972; what sums have been recovered from strikers in respect of payments made after return to work since the entry into force of the relevant section of the Social Security Act, 1971; and if he will make a statement on the progress of his review of the system of supplementary benefits during industrial disputes.
§ Sir K. JosephThe following is the information:
Payments of supplementary benefit in industrial disputes made during the period January to May, 1972:
Single claimants—£160,531.
Claimants' dependants—£5,824,561.
Amounts recovered from claimants following return to work during the period 3rd April to 31st May, 1972:
£7,418.
The review is continuing.
§ 27. Sir G. Nabarroasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the aggregate sum paid to men on strike, and their dependants, in respect of social welfare benefits, including unemployment relief, in the year ended 31st March, 1972, or the latest convenient date.
§ Mr. DeanEmployees involved in trade disputes are disqualified for unemployment benefit. Payments of supplementary benefit totalling approximately £6.4 million were made to strikers and their dependants in the year ending 31st March, 1972.
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§ 53. Sir G. Nabarroasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what rules he is now applying as to the duration of social welfare benefits, including unemployment relief, paid to strikers and their dependants; and what changes in the rules he has under consideration.
§ Sir K. JosephStrikers themselves are disqualified for unemployment benefit and receive supplementary benefit only when it is urgently needed in the judgment of the Supplementary Benefits Commission to prevent hardship. Benefits payable to dependants are determined by the commission in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Ministry of Social Security Act, 1966. A review of existing arrangements is in progress.