§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to enable unemployed retained firemen to receive both social security benefits and moneys from incidental and drill fees; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ScottPayments received by retained firemen in respect of any duties performed by them have no effect on their entitlement to unemployment benefit. Payments they receive in respect of drills, retainers, turn-out and stand-by are treated as earnings for income support purposes but are automatically subject to the higher (£15) disregard. The long-service gratuity is treated as capital. There are no plans to change these provisions.