§ 50. Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has had from small businesses regarding his proposals on short-term sickness benefit.
§ Mrs. ChalkerWe have had a large number of submissions from small businesses and their representative organisations about the Green Paper "Income During Initial Sickness: A New Strategy". Their main concern has been that small firms will have higher than average costs as a result of the scheme, and that these costs will not be fully met by the compensation proposed. We have taken these comments into account in making the changes that my right hon. Friend announced to the House on 21 November.