Sickness Benefit (Wage-Stop)

Oral Answers to Questions — Social Security – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 28 November 1966.

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Photo of Mr Adam Hunter Mr Adam Hunter , Dunfermline Burghs 12:00, 28 November 1966

asked the Minister of Social Security whether she is satisfied that under her regulations the Supplementary Benefits Commission will not apply the wage-stop to people who are drawing sickness benefit; and if she will make a statement.

Photo of Mr Norman Pentland Mr Norman Pentland , Chester-le-Street

As my right hon. Friend explained to the House during the debate on the Ministry of Social Security Bill, the wage-stop cannot be applied to the long-term or the chronic sick, but only to the unemployed and to people who are temporarily not available for work because of sickness.

Photo of Mr Adam Hunter Mr Adam Hunter , Dunfermline Burghs

Is my hon. Friend aware that more and more people are expressing concern about the effects of the wage-stop, particularly on the man with a young and large family? Should not cognisance be taken of that growing concern?

Photo of Mr Norman Pentland Mr Norman Pentland , Chester-le-Street

Yes, Sir. I cannot improve on what my right hon. Friend has already said about the wage-stop. However, if it is clear at the time of the claim for benefit that the sickness is not temporary, the wage-stop will not be applied. If the wage-stop is applied in a case of sickness benefit, it will be reviewed after the claimant has been sick for six months.