§ 27. Lord James Douglas-Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects to make a further announcement about increasing child benefit.
§ Mr. OrmeMy right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has already announced, on 15th July—[Vol. 935, c. 991.]—that the rate of child benefit would go up to £2.30 for each child in April 1978. I have no plans for any further announcement.
§ 46. Mrs. Castleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services by what date it would be necessary for the Government to announce a further increase in child benefit if this were to be put into operation next April.
§ Mr. OrmeIt is already too late to change the £2.30 rate of child benefit to be introduced next April without serious risk of total breakdown in the administrative arrangements.