§ Mr. McTaggartasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish a table showing the loss of annual income due to (a) the difference in the value of child benefit and its April 1979 value at current prices, and (b) the abolition of the 25 per cent. tax band for the following groups: (i) a two-child family with one wage earner and (ii) a two-child family with two wage earners.
§ Mr. NewtonThe rate of child benefit will be increased to £5.85 in November 1982. It would have to be increased by a further 40p if its April 1979 value were to be restored which represents an annual amount of £41.60 for a two-child family, with either one or two wage earners.
The abolition of the 25 per cent. tax band is a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.