§ Mr. Bakerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will estimate the amount paid out in sickness benefit in the current year and the amount paid out for periods of less than four weeks.
§ Mr. OrmeIt is estimated that expenditure on sickness benefit paid through DHSS local offices in 1976–77 will amount to some £485 million, about £210 million of this being in respect of days of sickness benefit falling within the first four weeks in a period of interruption of employment.