§ 43. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Minister of Social Security when she intends to publish her survey of child poverty; and when she plans to introduce legislation to alleviate it.
§ Miss HerbisonAs my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister informed the hon. Member for Chigwell (Mr. Biggs-Davison) on 11th May, our statement on child poverty will be made before the House adjourns for the Summer Recess. The report of the family survey will be published in advance of the statement.—[OFFICIAL REPORT, Vol. 746, C. 168–9.]
§ Mr. Frank AllaunIn preparing her facts, will the Minister bear in mind that the cost of family allowances has remained almost stationary at £150 million whereas the cost of Income Tax relief for children has increased by £130 million in two years to £630 million? Could not the latter help to pay for the former?
§ Miss HerbisonI can assure my hon. Friend that in our examination of these matters we have taken this into account.
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeCan the right hon. Lady explain how her mind is working in relation to what has been called Income Tax in reverse in a speech by the Minister without Portfolio in Cambridge yesterday?
§ Miss HerbisonThis matter also was fully discussed in the day's debate on child poverty. Perhaps the hon. Member will have a look at that debate.