§ Sir B. Rhys Williamsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the net cost of introducing tax-free family allowances for all children up to 16 years of age at £1.50 and at £2 per week, but cancelling at the same time the existing family allowances and tax allowances for children, and making offsetting adjustments in entitlement to other social benefits payable to either parent in respect of children.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinA close estimate is not possible, but on the assumption that children over 16 continued to be treated as now, the approximate costs would respectively be small and somewhat over £350 million.
§ Mr. Meacherasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the net cost of increasing family allowances, respectively, to all children to £2 per week and £2 for the second and subsequent children plus £1 for the first child on the basis of clawback restricted to the extent of child tax allowances, but without recoupment from other allowances.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinAbout £125 million and £90 million for a full year, respectively.