§ Mr. Murphyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the projected timetable for the implementation of the Government's policy to phase out the earnings rule.
§ Dr. BoysonThe abolition of the earnings rule depends on availability of resources and competing priorities. No precise timetable can, therefore, be given. In the meantime, the earnings limit is raised from £57 to £65 this month. This is an increase of 14 per cent. and represents an improvement in real terms.