§ Mr. Harold Walkerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the total amount paid out in earnings-related unemployment and sickness benefit for the most recent 12-month period for which figures are available ; and what estimate he has made of the effect on this figure of the change to computerisation of benefit payments.
§ Mr. DeanThe latest available figures are for the financial year 1972–73, when it is estimated that payments of earnings-related supplements to unemployment and sickness benefits amounted to £35 million and £72 million respectively. From 1st January this year the start of the benefit year for earnings-related supplement was changed from the first Monday in May to the first Monday in January following the end of the relevant income tax year. This change will not, however, have affected either the relevant income tax year or the benefits paid out for claims in the financial year 1972–73.
§ Mr. Harold Walkerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the number of young persons who have been denied earnings-related benefits following the computerisation of benefit payments.
§ Mr. DeanI regret that it is not possible to make such an estimate, although
336Wparticular in the years 1968, 1970 and 1972.
§ Sir K. JosephThe information about abortions by areas of treatment is only by hospital region. Available information is as follows :—
it is not thought that the numbers involved would be large.