To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations he has had from charitable bodies in respect of disqualification of voluntary assistants from unemployment, sickness and invalidity benefit.

We have received a number of written representations from charitable and other bodies representing voluntary workers. In addition, on 24 November last year my noble friend the Lord Henley met representatives of the National Association of Citizens' Advice Bureaux and the Volunteer Centre UK when their concerns were discussed. On 28 April, I announced proposals to extend from 24 to 48 hours, the period during which people registered as unemployed are allowed to rearrange their voluntary activities should a job opportunity arise.