HC Deb 26 July 1983 vol 46 c409W
26. Mr. Nicholls

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will introduce measures to provide for the payment of maternity grant and maternity pay to mothers who adopt a child at its birth or within seven weeks thereafter; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Newton

Maternity benefits are intended to help women with the expenses of pregnancy and confinement, and we have no plans to extend maternity grant or maternity allowance to adoptive parents. Under the Children Act 1975, adoption proceedings cannot begin until six weeks after birth and cannot be finalised until the child is about 19 weeks old. Policy on maternity pay is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment.