HC Deb 28 November 1966 vol 737 cc18-9
25. Mr. Maurice Macmillan

asked the Minister of Social Security what methods she intends to use, and what definition of need she has in mind, in her plans to help low wage earners with large families; and how she proposes to ensure that payments to relieve such need are confined to those included in her definition.

37. Mr. Christopher Price

asked the Minister of Social Security if, in the light of the reference to the priority for lowest-paid workers in the White Paper on Prices and Incomes Standstill (Period of Severe Restraint), she will seek power to make an early substantial increase in family allowances.

Miss Herbison

I would refer the hon. Gentlemen to my replies on this subject on 21st November.—[Vol. 736, c. 929–31.]

Mr. Macmillan

I thank the right hon. Lady but will she give us an assurance that, whatever administrative method she may choose—and she has given an interview on this subject to the Financial Times—she will make sure that the payment is as rapid as possible in time and is not held up in order to make the administrative survey more complete?

Miss Herbison

In answer to an earlier Question, I said that the Committee dealing with this matter had already got interim information as a result of the survey and I give an assurance, as I have given it before, that we are pressing on as speedily as possible with this matter.

Mr. Price

Now that we have had the White Paper on the prices and incomes standstill, with specific priority given in it to lower-paid workers, and since these workers are not likely to get a general increase because they are usually in a package deal with higher-paid workers, would not my right hon. Friend agree that a very special responsibility rests on her Department to get something for the large families during the period of severe restraint from January to July?

Miss Herbison

Without even mentioning the White Paper, I believe strongly that a very special responsibility lies with the Government to ensure as quickly as possible an end to the deprivation from which so many children—half a million it is reckoned—are suffering at the present time.