§ Mr. Higginsasked the Secretary of State for Energy what are the implications for public expenditure of the Redundant Mineworkers and Concessionary Coal (Payments Schemes) (Amendment) Order 1982; and by how much public expenditure would be increased or decreased if the order is not approved by the House.
§ Mr. John MooreThis order would introduce a new table of earnings-related weekly benefits under the redundant mineworkers payments scheme to persons becoming eligible on or after 6 April 1982. The maximum level of pre-redundancy earnings reckonable in calculations of benefit is raised from £130 to £140 per week, and the levels of scheme benefit payable on lower earnings would be adjusted to take account of increases in unemployment benefit, which is payable in addition, and of certain other factors. The overall increase in expenditure resulting would depend on the number of persons becoming eligible.
The order would also make a few other changes to the scheme; their financial implications are negligible.