§ Mr. Oakesasked the Minister of Social Security what is the policy of her Department in advising mothers of illegitimate children who apply for supplementary benefit of their rights to apply in a magistrates' court for an affiliation order.
§ Mr. Pentland:An unmarried mother who claims supplementary benefit is en 534W couraged to apply for an affiliation order provided that the whereabouts of the alleged father are known and there is a reasonable prospect of paternity being established. Legal aid is available for this purpose.
§ Mr. Oakesasked the Minister of Social Security what was the total amount of supplementary benefit paid in respect of illegitimate children during each of the years 1965, 1966 and 1967 to date; and what was the proportion of this payable because of default of payment by the father under an affiliation order.
§ Mr. Pentland:I regret that information in the form asked for is not available. But I am writing to my hon. Friend to give him detailed information bearing on his Question.