§ 24. Mr. Edelmanasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance when it is his intention to raise the family allowances.
§ Mr. PeakeThese allowances were raised by 60 per cent. in 1952, and I have no proposals for a further increase in mind.
§ Mr. EdelmanIs not it the case that, owing to the sharp rise in the cost of living under the present Government, much of the benefit of the family allowances has been annulled? Will the Minister now take into account this factor of the rise in the cost of living, which has done so much to make useless these allowances?
§ Mr. PeakeI am glad to say that the 60 per cent. increase made in 1952 more than covers all the sins of the previous Socialist Government.
§ Mr. GowerDoes not my right hon. Friend think that many people would prefer that if surplus money should become available it should be given to people in receipt of National Assistance or to elderly people rather than to those in receipt of family allowances?