§ 43. Mr. McNallyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received from industry concerning his proposed changes in the payment of sickness benefit; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RossiMost of the 1,100 or so representations that we have received on our proposals for an employers' statutory sick-pay scheme came from industry and commerce. The main concern was about the size of the proposed compensation for employers, and that, in particular, a disproportionate burden would fall on small businesses and on industries with high levels of sickness absence. Legislation will shortly be brought before the House and meanwhile I have nothing to add to what my right hon. Friend said during the debate on the Address on 21 November about the changes that we have decided to make in light of these representations.—[Vol. 994, c. 185–90.]