HC Deb 23 July 1996 vol 282 cc131-2
5. Mr. Hutton

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what percentage of children are in households dependent on income support; and, as a percentage of total children, how this compares with 1979. [36960]

Mr. Burt

In Great Britain, 25.6 per cent. of children are members of families where income support is claimed. A direct comparison with 1979 is not possible.

Mr. Hutton

I thought that the Minister would say that a comparison was not possible. Is it not clear that such a shameful figure reveals the extent of the failure of the Government's economic and social policies since 1979? Will the Minister take the opportunity now to apologise to the millions of families and children who have been so badly let down by the policies that the Government have pursued?

Mr. Burt

A direct comparison is not possible because of the different structure of the benefits involved. The hon. Gentleman's point about the number of children in receipt of income-related benefits reflects, first, a rise in unemployment, which was not experienced by the United Kingdom alone, and, secondly, a change in the structure of families.

The Government's response has been to work hard to reduce unemployment, which is why unemployment has decreased so spectacularly in this country. Our unemployment record is much better than those of our partners in Europe. Secondly, in terms of family structure, we have done all that we can through the benefit system to encourage people into work, and to ensure that there is a benefit structure that assists lone parents to get back into work and finds ways of encouraging people to look after themselves. That is the proper response of government.

Mr. Bill Walker

Does my hon. Friend agree that there is something sick and sad about people who do not realise that the take-home money that has been available since 1979—to people from all grades and of all standards—has increased substantially, and that that includes the moneys available to those on benefit? The sadness is that the more we help people, the more we are chastised.

Mr. Burt

My hon. Friend makes a more than valid point. Average income has increased for all family types since 1979. When a substantial survey was last conducted of couples on income support with children, it was found that they were 19 per cent. better off under our benefits than under those of the Labour Government.

Mr. Wicks

The Minister says that there is no comparison with 1979. The Library informs me, however, that, in 1979, 7 per cent. of children were dependent on means-tested benefits, whereas 26 per cent. are now. Does not the fact that one in four children are dependent on means-tested benefits show the Government's neglect of Britain's children? Given that, in 1979, Conservatives promised to reduce dependency on the state, will the Minister tell us what has gone wrong?

Mr. Burt

It seems that the hon. Gentleman was not listening to the earlier exchanges. There is no valid comparison, because of differences in benefits. The Government have tried to reduce dependency by getting people back into work and altering the benefit structure to ensure that people go from welfare into work. That is something that the hon. Gentleman should support. It is in direct contrast to the Labour party's policy of work to welfare, first by cutting child benefit for 16 and 17-year-olds and, secondly, by introducing a minimum wage, which would reduce the job opportunities of many families and make their children much poorer.

Mr. Thurnham

Is the Minister aware that, in France, child benefit can be withdrawn in cases where children persistently truant from school? Will he bear that in mind when considering any new proposals for paying child benefit?

Mr. Burt

My hon. Friend makes an interesting point. I understand that the provision in France is rarely used. The Department for Education and Employment and local authorities work extremely hard, through their welfare officers, to ensure that children appreciate the benefits of, and the need for going to, school. I am sure that my hon. Friend agrees that it would be a shame if, as children approach further education at the age of 16, they faced a Labour Government who would take child benefit away from them.