HC Deb 10 March 1977 vol 927 cc653-4W
Mr. Patrick Jenkin

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will confirm that the figures for "Estimating Margin" in Table 2.12 of Volume II of Command Paper No. 6721 embody a margin both for the uprating of child benefit and for the uprating of other benefits; and whether it is intended that these upratings will not involve any call on the Contingency Reserve.

Mr. Ennals

Provision is made in the "Estimating Margin" for real improvements in the value of long-term benefits if the increase in the movement of earnings exceeds that of prices. No provision has been made for uprating child

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what changes are included in Table 10 of Part I of Command Paper No. 6721 to take account of the proposal to raise £40 million in a full year by a levy on motor insurance and its subsequent abandonment.

Mr. Ennals

Part I of Cmnd. 6721 was published before the decision was made to withdraw the proposal for a levy on motorists through vehicle insurers. The figures for health and personal social services in Table 10B, therefore, take account of estimated revenue as a result of this proposal.