To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people are currently receiving reduced earnings allowance as a supplement to their earnings; on what criteria he bases his proposal to abolish entitlement to reduced earnings allowance in such circumstances; and if he will make a statement.

On the basis of information for April 1988, just under 150,000 people received reduced earnings allowance. Of these, about 24,000 were likely to have been in work. Potential changes in benefits policy are assessed according to the criteria set out in paragraph 4 of Cm. 615 "The Government's Expenditure Plans 1989–90 to 1991–92".