§ Sir B. Rhys Williamsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are now his intentions in regard to child endowment; what proposals he has for amending the family allowances scheme; and if it is his intention to extend the payment of the interim benefit after April 1977.
§ Mr. EnnalsAs I announced to the House on 25th May—[Vol. 912, c. 284–297]—child benefit under the Child Benefit Act 1975 will start in April 1977, replacing entirely the existing family allowances scheme. The rate of benefit will be £1 for the first child, and £1.50 for each subsequent child. Child interim benefit will cease, but there will be a premium of 50p for one-parent families to maintain the value of the benefit they are now receiving.