HC Deb 13 February 1990 vol 167 c151W
Mr. Loyden

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people lost entitlement to unemployment benefit when the age limit at which occupational pensions affect entitlement was lowered in January 1989; how many had benefit reduced; how many subsequently sought a review and had money refunded; and whether he will make it his policy that all those who lost benefits will receive the correct entitlement via an extra-statutory payment if Mrs. D. Morris's case is upheld by the social security commissioner.

Mrs. Gillian Shephard

It is estimated that, in a full year, 45,000 people will lose entitlement to unemployment benefit as a result of the age limit change. Of these, 14,000 would lose some, and 31,000 all, benefit. Following the local appeal tribunal decision in the case of Mrs. Doreen Morris, 1,552 people had, as at 31 December 1989, requested a review of their benefit disallowance. Further action will be considered once the decision of the social security commissioners is known.