HC Deb 15 April 1986 vol 95 cc368-9W
Mr. Terry Fields

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish a table showing (a) the number of people currently receiving each short-term national insurance benefit, (b) the numbers of people receiving reduced benefit because of inadequate national insurance contributions and (c) the numbers of these who are women.

Mr. Major

The information requested is given in the table.

Unemployment Benefit (May 1985) Sickness Benefit (March 1985) Maternity Allowance (March 1985)
Total beneficiaries 914,600 180,000 107,200
Women beneficiaries 337,100 46,000 107,200
Total receiving reduced rate 46,900 6,300 8,100
Women receiving reduced rate 21,800 3,100 8,100