§ Mr. Andrew F. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science in view of the decision to defer the introduction of child benefits in full in April 1977, what steps his Department is taking to help family poverty, in particular with regard to the number and levels of educational maintenance allowances and grants for distinctive and essential clothing.
§ Miss Margaret JacksonMy right hon. Friend has no statutory powers in this respect: educational maintenance allowances and school clothing grants are entirely within the discretion of the local education authorities; general family586W support is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services.