§ 5. Mr. Boyd-Carpenterasked the Minister of Social Security to what figure the 10s. rate of family allowance paid in respect of third and subsequent 18 children would require to be increased to restore the purchasing power to the level at which it stood when the 10s. rate was originally introduced.
§ Miss HerbisonOn the basis of the Index of Retail Prices, 13s. 7d.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI wish the right hon. Lady many happy returns of the day, but does not she agree that these figures offer a clear indication of at least one course she can take to deal with the serious problem of malnutrition among larger families, about which she has recently had a good deal of evidence?
§ Miss HerbisonThe figure that I have quoted—and for the 8s. allowance the appropriate equivalent would be 12s. 6d.—shows clearly that something must be done for the children, particularly those of the low wage earner. I have told the House on many occasions that we are urgently considering the matter.