§ 7. Mrs. DunwoodyWhat was the average payment of maternity grant to mothers in the Crewe and Nantwich constituency in (a) 1996–97, (b) 1995–96 and (c) 1994–95; and how many received sums of £15,000 to £20,000. [23058]
§ Mr. DenhamApproximately 50,000 pregnant working women do not qualify for maternity pay because their earnings are below £62 per week. We want to help all women balance their careers and family responsibilities and ensure that the system is fair to all women.
I regret to say that the figures requested for Crewe and Nantwich are not available.
§ Mrs. DunwoodyThat was a rather long way of saying no; I thank my hon. Friend for that interesting reply. If we are to talk seriously about maternity payments, and the women who do not qualify as well as those who do, might it not be useful to do so on the basis of fact? To raise fears before all the replies are detailed is to cause enormous harm and considerable worry and to place needless pressure on people who do not need it.
§ Mr. DenhamIt is important to set out the problem. The system is complex; it is hard to understand and difficult for employers to administer. It excludes 50,000 low-paid women from benefit each year, while others receive substantial amounts. The system is not seen to be fair, which is why we need to consider a coherent package of measures.