§ 13. Mr. John MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations he has received in favour of abolishing child benefit. [28817]
§ Mr. LilleyI have received no representations from any hon. Members in favour of the teenage tax proposals of 94 the hon. Member for Dunfermline, East (Mr. Brown) to abolish child benefit for over-16-year-olds staying on at school.
§ Mr. MarshallDoes my right hon. Friend find it surprising that the Labour party has taken a Trappist vow? Is he—
§ Madam SpeakerOrder. The hon. Gentleman is, of course, going to ask a question relating to a matter for which the Minister has responsibility.
§ Mr. MarshallHas my right hon. Friend received any representations advocating that child benefit be paid to foreigners and taken away from British children between the ages of 16 and 18? Does he find it surprising that there are those who want to pay more to teenagers who are not studying, and to take money away from those who are?
§ Mr. LilleyMy hon. Friend is absolutely right. One reason for the extreme embarrassment among Labour Members at the proposal advanced by the hon. Member for Dunfermline, East is that, while he proposed to withdraw child benefit from those aged over 16 who stay on to acquire qualifications, the Labour party voted to extend it to foreigners who enter this country on the express understanding that they would not be entitled to British benefits. What a slap in the face for British children.