§ 37. Mr. Peter Bottomleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how long it would take to restore the 5 per cent. abatement in short-term benefits.
§ Mr. NewtonWe cannot restore the 5 per cent. abatement of short-term benefits—sickness benefit, injury benefit, maternity allowance and unemployment benefit—in 1982. But as my right hon. Friend has made clear we will keep the matter under review.
Should a decision be taken to restore it at some future time, the speed of implementation would depend on operational and other circumstances at that time.