§ Mrs. Renéee Short asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what amendments he proposes to make to the unemployment benefit regulations to allow unemployed people to take part in voluntary work without forfeiting their entitlement to benefit; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Chalker: As the hon. Member may know, draft regulations to increase the earnings limit for people receiving unemployment benefit from 75p to £2 a day and to make some easements in the conditions under which unemployed people may continue to receive benefits while doing voluntary work were referred to the social security advisory committee. The Committee has reported to my right hon. Friend on the proposals, with their recommendations, and as soon as consideration of them is complete, regulations will be laid before Parliament.