HC Deb 07 March 1972 vol 832 c290W
Mr. Meacher

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) why he did not make a statement to the House concerning the cessation of the limited awards system under the four-week rule;

(2) what proposals he has for the reintroduction of the standard control procedures concerning the four-week rule.

Sir K. Joseph

The Supplementary Benefits Commission has discretion to apply its standard control procedure involving limited awards where and when it thinks fit. The system is self-adjusting to employment opportunities and I understand they hope that some areas will be sufficiently back to normal to reintroduce these arrangements in three or four weeks' time.