HC Deb 21 June 1977 vol 933 cc1082-4
7. Mr. Loyden

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations have been made to him from lone-parent families on the implementation of the Finer Report.

Mr. Orme

We have received a number of letters in which the subjects most frequently mentioned were the implementation of the Finer Report as a whole, improved maintenance recovery and financial help generally, and provision of day-care facilities. In addition, my right hon. Friend has twice received a deputation from the Finer Joint Action Committee.

Mr. Loyden

Does my right hon. Friend agree that those views reflect the general feelings both inside and outside the House with regard to the implementation of the Finer Report? Does he accept that the Labour Party, if naught else, is the party of compassion and social justice? It is therefore necessary that the Labour Government should ensure that these aspects of the Finer Report are brought into being. The fact that Back Benchers are compelled to vote for resources going in other directions to areas of less need has created many problems for the Government at the moment.

Mr. Orme

Although a number of Finer proposals have been implemented, not all are practical. My hon. Friend may be interested to know that since we took office the Government have added £380 million a year to social security benefits for one-parent families. These benefits are now running at a level of £650 million a year. The House will also be aware that the problem of one-parent families is an increasing one. At the moment, there are about 630,000 in this country. That figure is increasing at the rate of 10 per cent. a year. It is a massive social problem as well as a financial problem.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one-parent families in particular have suffered more greatly in the last three years than have families without children?

Mr. Orme

I am aware of the difficulties among one-parent families and I know that there is a great deal of poverty among them. That is why the Government have taken the actions that they have. We should like to do more, and we shall do when the resources become available.

Mr. Ashley

Is my right hon. Friend aware that single-parent families are among the poorest of the poor and that the Government are simply not doing enough for them? Does he agree that the most important two things that can be done are, first, to give them a guaranteed maintenance allowance on a generous scale and, secondly, for him to consult his other Cabinet colleagues about implementing the Finer Report in full instead of handing out concessions to wealthy people, as the Government do at the moment?

Mr. Orme

I remind my hon. Friend of the public expenditure difficulties at the moment and the calls upon public expenditure from pensioners, one-parent families, working families with children, and large families. All these groups are competing for priority from the Government and within our society. I certainly take note of the points made by my hon. Friend, but I hope that he will take note of the fact that this is an issue of priorities.

Mrs. Bain

Is the Minister aware that there are two basic actions that he could take at the moment to help one-parent families? He could review the situation of claw-back as it affects the child benefit scheme for one-parent families and he could end taxation on widows' pensions.

Mr. Orme

I take note of both those points. I am sure that the hon. Lady is aware that a 50p premium is paid to one- parent families. At the moment the Government are looking at the whole issue of child benefit, and any improvement in child benefit must benefit one-parent families.