§ Mr. Woodallasked the Secretary of State for Employment what plans the Government have for extension of fortnightly payments of benefits to the unemployed.
§ Mr. Booth:I said in an answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Enfield, North (Mr. Davies) on 15th Mayߞ[Vol. 950, c. 33ߝ4]ߞthat the Government were in favour of a system of fortnightly payment of benefits to unemployed people but had decided that pilot procedures 798W needed some refinement before a decision was taken on the timing of any extension. Temporary regulations were subsequently made to allow the pilot scheme to continue until next September, and the Government are now planning to extend the system throughout Great Britain from that date. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services will be submitting the necessary regulations in draft to the National Insurance Advisory Committee as soon as possible.