§ Mr. NellistTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will provide figures updating those contained in his answer to the hon. Member for Birmingham,606W Ladywood (Ms. Short) on 2 May, Official Report, columns 557–58; and if he will expand upon the difference in administrative arrangements to which he refers.
§ Mr. Needham[holding answer 3 July 1990]: Up to 1 June 1990, just over 6,700 unemployed claimants in Northern Ireland were interviewed specifically about their efforts to find work. As a result, 100 claims were referred to the adjudication officer, and of these 28 were allowed and 72 disallowed. In addition, a further 13 claims were referred to the adjudication officer on grounds of refusing employment and, of these, five were disallowed.
Whereas in Great Britain the Department of Employment is responsible for the payment of benefit to the unemployed, in Northern Ireland all social security benefits, including unemployment benefit, are paid by the Department of Health and Social Services. Employment matters are the responsibility of the Department of Economic Development.