HC Deb 21 February 1968 vol 759 cc151-2W
Lord Balniel

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer from how many families he expects to recover the full amount of the proposed 7s. a week increase in family allowances, and from how many families he expects to recover part of the increase.

Mr. Harold Lever

This depends upon the precise nature of the Income Tax adjustments to be made.

Lord Balniel

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what will be the total net cost of the 7s. a week increase in family

Mr. Roy Jenkins

The total cost of the 7s. a week increase, after allowing for consequential changes in national insurance dependency allowances, for reduced expenditure on supplementary benefits, and for additional tax receipts on the basis of tax at existing rates, would be£90 million in a full year. As I have already made clear, I intend to secure, by means of Income Tax adjustments, that the 7s. increase goes only to those in need. This will save approximately£60 million of the total cost of£90 million.