§ 3. Mr. Knoxasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what percentage of those entitled to receive one-parent benefit are receiving it.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Security (Mr. Tony Newton)The latest estimate available shows that about 70 per cent. of those who stand to gain by claiming one-parent benefit are receiving it.
§ Mr. KnoxThis figure represents a considerable improvement since the Government came into office, but it is still not completely satisfactory. Has my hon. Friend any plans for further steps to improve the take-up of one-parent benefit?
§ Mr. NewtonI accept that the number is not as high as we would like, and we are continuing to look for ways to increase it. Recently, we introduced a new poster for display in each of the relevant areas. This year we are experimenting with different ways of promoting take-up in different parts of the country—television, radio and magazines—with a view to assessing the most effective way of making further progress.
§ Mr. KirkwoodWill the Minister consider making an early statement on the outstanding recommendations of the Finer committee in a report that was produced almost 10 years ago?
§ Mr. NewtonA large number of the recommendations in the Finer report were for Departments other than the DHSS. I note the point made by the hon. Gentleman.