HC Deb 31 March 1980 vol 982 c45W
Mr. Brotherton

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what would have been the saving to public funds if the Iron and Steel Trades Confederation had paid strike pay to its members at a rate of (a) £5 per week, (b) £10 per week and (c) £12 per week.

Mr. Prentice

Up to 25 March the estimated saving in supplementary benefit would have been £ ½ million, £1¾ million, and £2¼ million respectively.

Mr. Brotherton

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the latest sum of public funds that have been paid (a) to steel strikers and (b) to their dependants since the beginning of the dispute.

Mr. Lawrence

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what has been the cost to date to the taxpayer of social security payments to (a) steel strikers and (b) their families during the current dispute.

Mr. Prentice

Up to 25 March, £90,000 and £8,051,000 respectively in supplementary benefit.