§ Mr. Frank Fieldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will state, pursuant to the answer given to the hon. Member for Birkenhead on 3 June on the effect of certain changes in rate of national insurance and child benefit, what the cost would be of answering this question; and if he will detail how this sum is arrived at.
§ Mr. NewtonThe cost of estimating the effects on the numbers claiming supplementary benefit and housing benefit of the changes in rate of national insurance benefit and child benefit is calculated to be about £600 to £700 in staff and computer time. However, I have reconsidered the matter and concluded that it would nevertheless be appropriate to seek to provide the information the hon. Member seeks. This will be done as soon as possible.