§ Mr. Crowtherasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will introduce legislation to provide that, in the case of an unemployed man divorced or legally separated from his wife, that element of the unemployment benefit which relates to the maintenance of the wife or children shall be payable directly to the wife.
§ Mr. OrmeThe relevant regulations made under the Social Security Act already provide that payments may be made direct to a wife who is living apart from her husband of the benefit payable in respect of her or the children living with her if it appears to the Secretary of State necessary to do so in order to protect the interests of the claimant or of the wife or children, or if the claimant so requests. Increases for a separated wife or children are, however, payable only if the claimant is already making the requisite contributions to their maintenance. If my hon. Friend has a particular case in mind, perhaps he would be good enough to write to me.