§ 16. Mr. Lewisasked the Minister of National Insurance if he will take steps to increase the family allowance payable for each school child to the extent of 10d. per week, to offset the recent increased charge of 2d. per school meal.
§ Mr. TurtonNo, Sir. I would remind the hon. Member that the rate of family allowances was increased by 3s. as recently as last September.
§ Mr. LewisBut the family allowance was increased before the announcement by the Minister of Education of the increase in the price of school meals. Obviously, neither the Chancellor of the Exchequer nor the Minister of Education knew that this increase was coming about. Will the hon. Gentleman, therefore, review the present family allowances?
§ Mr. TurtonIf the hon. Member will reflect he will realise that the increase in the price of school meals was occasioned by the increase in the cost of food in the last two years, the major part of which occurred in the time of the previous Government. Therefore, he will see that that increase was covered in the September increase of 3s. in family allowances.