§ 79. Mr. Fallonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will introduce legislation to limit the payment of unemployment benefit outside the assisted areas to those genuinely seeking work.
§ Mr. NewtonAn essential element of the social security scheme is that the qualifying conditions for benefit are the same for everyone and it would be wrong to have different rules for people in different parts of the country. Unemployment benefit is payable to people who are unemployed and who, in addition to satisfying the contribution conditions, are capable of and available for work. Those drawing benefit sign a declaration regularly that they have been unable to obtain any work and benefit is paid only on the basis that claimants, no matter where they may live, are seeking employment.