§ Ms. RichardsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is(a) the gross and (b) the net cost of raising child benefit by lop in 1991–92 and 1992–93 for all children.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardIt has been estimated that the extra costs in each year would be around(a) £63 million gross and (b) £47 million net.
§ Ms. RichardsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many families with children will be lifted off or brought into means-tested benefits as a result of the extra £1 in child benefit for the eldest child and the continued freeze for other children.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardIt is impossible to give any meaningful estimate of people who have or will become dependent on income-related benefits as a direct consequence of the extra £1 in child benefit for the eldest child and the continued freeze for other children because the effects cannot be viewed in isolation. It is important to remember that eligible populations and their constituents for all income-related benefits change constantly as family incomes and circumstances change. Gross earnings have risen and our policies to reduce tax and national insurance contributions have succeeded in enabling families with children to keep more of their earnings.