§ Mr. Bowdenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will break down the figure of £180 million in paragraph 2.25 of the autumn Economic Statement into savings on particular benefits.
§ Mr. RossiIn settling the social security public expenditure programme for 1983–84 there has been a part year adjustment in the light of the fact that the 9 per cent. forecast at the time of the Budget was too high. The reduction does not represent a judgment on the precise level of next year's uprating, either generally or in respect of particular benefits. It is simply a decision that at the end of the day the overall increase in expenditure on social security will be £180 million less than it otherwise would have been. As my right hon. and learned Friend made clear in his Autumn Statement on 8 November, the precise extent of next year's uprating for individual benefits will, as usual, be decided at Budget time.
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§ Mr. Allen McKayasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will increase by £10 child benefit and by £50 supplementary benefit and unemployment benefit for the week beginning 19 December.
§ Mr. NewtonNo.