§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the reason for the delay in providing explanatory leaflets prior to the introduction in April of new regulations in respect of unemployed persons with occupational pensions.
§ Mrs. ChalkerIt was hoped that a leaflet, NI 230, explaining the effect of the new rules would be available in unemployment benefit offices in February, but amendments to ensure that the text was clearly understood by claimants have unfortunately meant that the leaflet will not now be available until later in March. Claimants wishing advice about the new rules can obtain this at their unemployment benefit office.
§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what procedure will be used to take account of lump sum payments received by occupational pensioners who are receiving unemployment benefit from April.
§ Mrs. ChalkerUnder section 5 of the Social Security (No. 2) Act 1980, unemployment benefit payable to people aged 60 or over will, from April 1981, be reduced to take account of periodical payments of occupational pension over £35 a week. Lump sum payments—as distinct from the payment at one time of sums which are 431W due by way of periodical payments—will not affect the amount of benefit payable. There is power under section 5(2) of the Act to make regulations to provide for unemployment benefit to be abated in cases where a lump sum is paid, but regulations of this kind have not yet been made.