§ 21. Mr. Stanbrookasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will seek to change the situation whereby a claimant for maternity benefit may be refused on the ground that she had previously applied for sickness benefit within the relevant period for contributions and been refused.
§ Mr. DeakinsI recognise that the present rules for satisfying contribution conditions for short-term benefits can occasionally have an adverse effect, as has occurred in the particular case to which the hon. Member has drawn attention. I am prepared to consider 461W whether any change in the present arrangements is desirable.