HC Deb 21 July 1976 vol 915 c515W
Mr. Ralph Howell

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the total net weekly value of family allowance, after taking into account tax and clawback, for a family with two children, assuming gross earnings 50 per cent., 100 per cent., 200 per cent., 300 per cent., 400 per cent. and 500 per cent. of the national average wage for male manual workers.

Mr. Orme

On the basis of the average earnings of adult male manual workers as determined by the Department of Employment's inquiry in October 1975, the required information is as follows:

Proportion of average gross earnings Net weekly value of family allowance
Per cent. £
50 0.62½
100 0.62½
200 0.50
300 0.12
400 -0.12
500 -0.25

Note: It has been assumed that the family consists of a man, dependent wife and 2 children under 11 with taxable income equal to gross earnings plus family allowances less personal and child tax allowances.

Mr. Ralph Howell

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish a table showing, at the latest date for which the figures are available, rates of family allowance as a percentage of average male manual earnings in each of the EEC member states.

Mr. Orme

The United Kingdom family allowance of £1.50 a week represented 2.5 per cent. of average male manual earnings in October 1975. Percentages for other countries cannot be determined in the absence of corresponding earnings figures.