§ Mr. Sproatasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish the measures by which he intends to weed out persons abusing social security benefits in Torbay during the summer; to what other resorts such measures will apply; what was the extent of the abuse last summer; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. OrmeI refer the hon. Member to my reply to his Question on 8th July 1977—[Vol. 934, c.685–6]—in which I described the special arrangements which exist for dealing with social security benefit claims in areas where seasonal work is plentiful. The Supplementary Benefits Commission has now decided that, so far as supplementary benefit is concerned, these arrangements, which then applied only to single men, should be extended to single women and childless couples. As I confirmed during my recent visit to the area, these arrangements will operate in Torbay this summer. They will also operate in the following other 28 local office areas:—
Aberystwyth, Barnstaple, Barry, Bognor Regis, Boston, Bournemouth, Bridgend, Bridlington, Chichester, Colwyn Bay, Dolgellau, Fylde North, Fylde South, Grimsby, Lancaster, Launceston, Newport (IOW), Pembroke Dock, Penzance, Portmadoc, Rhyl, St. Austell, Scarborough, Southport, Taunton, Truro, Weymouth and Worcester.They may also be introduced in other areas where plenty of seasonal work is available.In 1977, these special arrangements were applied in 4,060 cases. In 1,362 cases no further action was taken because the claimant had ceased to register or work prospects in the area had deteriorated. It became necessary to call 2,211 for interview by an unemployment review officer. Of these, 919 did not attend and their benefit therefore ceased. Of the remainder, benefit continued in 653 cases and was withdrawn in 639.