HC Deb 09 February 1977 vol 925 cc703-4W
Mr. Rooker

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how often the count is taken of those registered unemployed persons receiving neither unemployment benefit nor supplementary benefit; and if he has a figure for a date later than August 1976.

Mr. Orme

The count is normally taken quarterly. I regret that the latest figure available is that for August 1976, industrial action having prevented the count due in November 1976 from taking place.

Mr. Rooker

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, of the registered unemployed persons receiving neither unemployment benefit nor supplementary benefit, how many are in this position due to (a) earnings of spouse, (b) earnings of children, (c) earnings of other members of a common household and (d) combinations of (a), (b) and (c).

Mr. Orme

No claimant fails to receive unemployment benefit as a result of the earnings mentioned. The only earnings which can affect entitlement to supplementary benefit are those of the claimant and spouse, but information is not available on the number of claimants affected by such earnings.