HC Deb 23 July 1979 vol 971 cc93-4W
Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what percentage of mothers do not qualify for the maternity grant.

Mrs. Chalker

About 8 per cent. of mothers do not receive the grant.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the worth of the maternity grant in November of the current year based upon 1969 prices.

Mrs. Chalker

I estimate that the purchasing power of the grant will have fallen from £25 in November 1969 to £7.31 in November 1979. This estimate is based on changes in the retail price index since November 1969 and the forecast changes between November 1978 and November 1979.