§ Mr. MeacherTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the maximum daily amount an employed person was allowed to earn per day without loss of entitlement to unemployment benefit in 1979–80 and 1991–92.
§ Mr. JackUnemployment benefit is primarily for those who are entirely without work. However, a day on which an unemployed person does a small amount of work in a subsidiary occupation can still count as a day of unemployment provided he satisfies the usual conditions and earnings for that day do not exceed the daily limit. In 1979–80 the limit was 75p a day and in 1991–92 it is £2 a day.
This represents an increase above the rate of growth in the retail prices index.
§ Mr. Chris SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he has any plans to change the 21-hour rule which enables unemployed claimants to study part time; and if he will make a statement.
§ Miss WiddecombeI refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Oldham, West (Mr. Meacher) on 11 March at column527.