HC Deb 23 February 1954 vol 524 c14W
47. Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyre

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer by what percentage the 180 per cent, increase that is shown in respect of wages for the year 1953 over that of 1938 would be further increased if all social service benefits granted in that period were taken into account for the single, married, and married man with two children, respectively.

Mr. R. A. Butler

The only cash benefits payable to people in receipt of wages are family allowances, which began in 1946. A married man with two children would normally receive a family allowance of 8s. a week. It would be difficult to quantify the amount of other social service benefits in respect of individuals. The average weekly earnings of men have risen from 69s. in October, 1938, to 185s. 11d. in April, 1953.