§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many children living in Shrewsbury and Atcham fall into the eldest child category for purposes of calculating the number who qualify for child benefit. [85655]
§ Angela EagleThe administration of Child Benefit is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, Peter Mathison. I have asked him to write to my hon. Friend.
Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Paul Marsden, dated 8 June 1999:
Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many children living in Shrewsbury and Atcham fall into the eldest child category for purposes of calculating the number who qualify for child benefit.The information requested is not readily available, by region, to identify the number of children who qualify for the higher rate of Child Benefit payable for the eldest child. These figures could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. However, data will soon become available which it is hoped will enable the production of such figures, by Parliamentary constituency.I am sorry I am not able to help at the moment.