§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many claims for unemployment benefit were payable to persons resident in the Republic of Eire out of the British National Insurance Fund for the financial year 1970–71; what was the total cost; and what efforts he has made in consultation with the paying authorities in the Republic of Ireland to ensure that cases of fraud are kept to a minimum.
§ Mr. DeanBritish unemployment benefit is not paid in respect of persons who are outside Great Britain. Claims in the Republic of Ireland are subject to that country's legislation and control, but under the terms of a reciprocal agreement between the two countries, an adjusting payment of about £8,000 was made in respect of the year 1970 to the Republic. This related to the extent to which British National Insurance contributions were used to give entitlement to unemployment benefit to persons in the Republic.