HC Deb 07 November 1972 vol 845 cc112-3W
Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what instructions have been given to officers of his Department regarding the non-payment of unemployment benefit to non-strikers who are now out of work at Gardner's Limited, Eccles: if he will reverse his Department's policy regarding unemployment benefit; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Dean

None. Claims to unemployment benefit arising from this dispute are being dealt with in the normal way by the independent determining authorities. As I have already promised, I will let the hon. Member know the final outcome of these claims, but we have no proposals for changing the law on this subject.

Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is aware of the hardship caused by the non-payment of social service benefits to strikers and non-strikers at Gardner's Limited, Eccles, and the difficulties faced by the families of these workers; if he will reverse his Department's decision on this matter; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Dean

The question whether supplementary benefit is payable for the dependants of a person involved in a trade dispute and, if so, how much is entirely a matter for the Supplementary Benefits Commission and there is a right of appeal against any determination made by the Commission. I have writen to the hon. Member about payments of benefit made so far in the dispute at Gardner's Limited, Eccles, and I have no statement to make.