HC Deb 28 November 1966 vol 737 cc19-20
26. Mr. Pardoe

asked the Minister of Social Security what increases in family allowances would be necessary to restore them to the same real value as when they were first introduced.

Mr. Pentland

Approximately 2s. 6d. on the allowance for the second child and 6d. on the allowances for subsequent children.

Mr. Pardoe

Does not the hon. Gentleman agree that, even if these increases were made, it would not be enough to eradicate poverty which exists, particularly among large families?

Mr. Pentland

Yes, I would agree. As we have said many times, the Government have the whole system of family allowances under consideration.

27. Mr. Pardoe

asked the Minister of Social Security what increases in family allowances would be necessary to restore them to the same proportion of average earnings as when they were first introduced.

Mr. Pentland

Approximately 8s 9d. on the allowance for the second child and 6s. 9d. on the allowances for subsequent children.

Mr. Pardoe

Has the hon. Gentleman seen the radical proposals put forward at the Liberal Party conference this year for reforming the family provisions? A copy was sent to him. When can we expect these proposals to be implemented now that they have so much support on the benches behind him?

Mr. Pentland

I assure the hon. Gentleman that anything the Liberal Party can do we can do better.