§ Mr. Ralph Howellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will publish a table showing rates of
RATES OF FAMILY ALLOWANCES, OR EQUIVALENT CASH BENEFITS, EXPRESSED IN POUNDS STERLING, PAYABLE MONTHLY IN EACH OF THE EEC MEMBER STATES AT 1ST OCTOBER 1977 (See Note 1) Belgium (See Note 2) Denmark (See Note 3) France (See Note 4) Germany Republic of Ireland Italy Luxembourg (See Note 5) Netherlands (See Note 6) United Kingdom (See Note 7) £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ 1st child 22.09 13.05 — 12.42 2.30 6.39 18.05 12.81 4.33 2nd child 35.06 13.05 20.93 17.39 4.10 6.39 18.05 24.77 6.50 3rd child 48.01 13.05 35.03 29.81 4.85 6.39 46.47 24.77 6.50 4th child 48.96 13.05 35.03 29.81 4.85 6.39 46.47 33.09 6.50 5th child 49.32 13.05 31.43 29.81 4.85 6.39 46.47 33.09 6.50 6th child 49.32 13.05 31.43 29.81 4.85 6.39 46.47 36.61 6.50 7th child 49.32 13.05 31.43 29.81 4.85 6.39 46.47 36.61 6.50 8th child and each other child 49.32 13.05 31.43 29.81 4.85 6.39 46.47 40.50 6.50 Notes:
1. The sterling equivalents have been obtained by applying the exchange rates current on 1st October 1977. A meaningful comparison of allowances cannot be made without taking into account the local cost of living (especially that affecting the maintenance of children) and other factors which vary from country to country, such as general wage levels, taxation, and the extent to which other provision is made through post-natal welfare and advice services. Fluctuating exchange rates also distort comparisons.
2. Additional allowances of up to £11.80 are payable for each child aged 6 or more according to age.
3. Higher rates are payable for children of pensioners or of single parents.
4. Additional allowances of up to £14.38 are payable for each child other than the first, if there are children aged 10 or over, according to age. Also additional allowances are payable for families with only one breadwinner.
5. Additional allowances are payable for each child over 12 years of age.
6. Double or treble allowances can be paid if a student, an apprentice or a disabled person is substantially maintained by his parents.
7. An additional allowance of £2.17 is payable for the first child of a lone parent.