HC Deb 28 January 1980 vol 977 cc480-1W
Mr. Brotherton

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many of his Department's staff are wholly employed on the payment of supplementary benefit to steel strikers.

Mr. Prentice

The number varies according to the volume of work and estimated figures can only be obtained at disproportionate cost and to the detriment of other work. As much information as possible will be given about the number of days worked at strike centres when the strike has ended.

Mr. Brotherton

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many steel strikers are receiving supplementary benefit (a) on behalf of themselves and (b) on behalf of their dependants.

Mr. Prentice

At the close of business on 22 January 1980, 35,307 payments had been made to 20,012 strikers in respect of their dependants and 29 payments had been made to 22 strikers in respect of themselves.

Mr. Brotherton

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the total sum in supplementary benefit that has been paid to date to steel strikers (a) on their own behalf and (b) on behalf of their dependants.

Mr. Prentice

The total sum paid in supplementary benefit up to the close of business on 22 January is as follows:—

Strikers without dependants £260
Strikers with dependants £790,000