§ Mr. Ashtonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why his Department's office at Worksop is refusing to pay social security to the dependants of miners working at Shireoaks colliery.
§ Dr. BoysonAll claims made in respect of the dependants of miners are being determined by supplementary benefit officers, and payments are being made, in accordance with the provision of the Supplementary Benefit Act 1976 and regulations made under that Act.
§ Mr. Ashtonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why the families of striking miners are being refused benefit where miners cannot draw their two weeks in arrears bonus due to strike action by another union in colliery offices.
§ Dr. BoysonI understand that supplementary benefit officers determining claims from miners initially took into account earnings due but not paid to these claimants. In the light, however, of confirmation from the National Coal Board that payments due were not being made, and guidance from the Chief Supplementary Benefit Officer, all such claims are being re-examined.
§ Mr. Ashtonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the offices of his Department which have refused to pay social security to the families of miners on strike; if he will estimate how many families have been refused; and for what main reasons.
§ Dr. BoysonNo offices of the Department are refusing to pay supplementary benefit to the families of miners where title to benefit has been determined by the supplementary benefit officer.