§ Mr. Gordon Brownasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on the calculation of unemployment benefit for miners who were engaged in industrial action in 1984 and 1985 and who accept redundancy in the coming months.
§ Mr. David HuntI am advised that entitlement to unemployment benefit for claims commencing in the 1986 benefit year depends upon the claimants' national insurance contributions record during the 1984–85 tax year. This will apply to miners whose redundancy date falls on or after 3 January 1986. Subject to their otherwise satisfying the conditions for receipt of unemployment benefit, those men who paid national insurance contributions on earnings of 50 times the specified lower earnings limit (£1,700) or more will be entitled to payment at the standard rate of £3.45 pw, plus £18.80 pw dependant's allowance where applicable; those who paid contributions on between 37½ and 50 times the lower earnings limit (£1,275–£1,699) will receive reduced rates of £22.84 pw and £14.10 pw; those who paid contributions on between 25 and 37½ times the lower earnings limit (£850–£1,274) will receive reduced rates of £15.23 pw and £9.40 pw respectively; and those who paid contributions on earnings of less than £850 will have no entitlement.