§ Mr. Haywardasked the Paymaster General in what circumstances the new availability for work questionnaire is being given to current as well as new benefit claimants.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe new questionnaire is the latest revision of a form which has been in use since at least 1947. It has been the usual practice since then to use a similar questionnaire as the basis on which the independent adjudicating authorities can decide entitlement. As in the past, we are using the form for current claimants whenever doubts arise about the availability of an unemployed claimant for work. Such doubts may arise, for example, following an inquiry to the claimant's last employer, a routine interview with benefit staff or in any circumstances in which there is a need to confirm availability.
As I informed the House on 29 October, in a few offices claimants who are permitted to sign every quarter instead of every fortnight have also been given the questionnaire. This is an experiment and the results are now being considered.