§ Mr. Ralph Howellasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will compare the rates and total cost, at current and at constant prices, of family allowances, 109W welfare milk and free school meals in 1939, 1946 and 1976.
§ Mr. Joel BarnettComplete figures for the years in question are not available.
Current Prices 1974–75 Prices (1) 1939–40 1947–48 1974–75 1939–40 1947–48 1974–75 £ £ £ £ £ £ Rates of: Family allowances (2) … Nil 0.25 0.90 Nil 0.96 0.90 … 1.00 1.00 Child tax allowances (3) … 75 72 240 366 277 240 275 275 305 305
£ million £ million £ million £ million £ million £ million Cost of: Family allowances (4) … … Nil 57 344 Nil 219 344 Child tax allowances (5) … … N/A N/A 1,160 N/A N/A 1,160 Welfare milk (6) … … N/A (8) 20 8 N/A 76 8 Free school meals (7) … … 1 (8) 1 22 4 5 22 Notes:
(1) 1939–40 and 1947–48 values increased in line with the General Index of Retail Prices.
(2) Scheme introduced 1946. 1974–75 rates: 90 pence for second child, £1 for subsequent children.
(3) 1939–40 and 1947–48 figures adjusted for earned income relief. 1974–75 rates: under 11 years, £240; 11–15 years £275; over 16 years £305.
(4) Subject to income tax and in 1974–75 "claw-back".
(5) Data for 1939–40 and 1947–48 is insufficient to make reliable estimates.
(6) National Milk Scheme introduced 1940. Schemes subsequently changed extensively.
(7) Based on prices charged for school meals.
(8) Some limited schemes were operated by local authorities.