HC Deb 28 January 1971 vol 810 cc192-3W
Mr. Meacher

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the net income scale for a range of families on which, respectively, exemption from prescription charges on grounds of low income, exemption from ophthalmic and dental charges, and eligibility for free welfare milk and other welfare foods will be based from next April; and on what exact date will the new scales be introduced.

Sir K. Joseph

The following are examples of the net income levels at which full remission of the respective charges will be obtainable.

One-child family—child aged 4 Two-child family—children aged 4 and 8 Three-child family—children aged 4, 8 and 11
£ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d.
Ophthalmic and Dental 16 5 6 18 5 0 20 9 0
(£16.28) (£18.25) (£20.45)
Prescription 15 12 6 17 12 0 19 15 0
(£15.63) (£17.60) (£19.80)
Welfare Milk 16 2 6 18 2 0 20 6 0
(£16.13) (£18.10) (£20.30)

These levels will apply from the start of the new charges (i.e. 1st April for ophthalmic and dental, and prescriptions; 4th April for welfare milk). They can only be taken as a guide since they depend on such variable factors as rent, expenses in

One-child family (child aged 4) Two-child family (children aged 4 and 8) Three-child family (all children under 5)
Gross earnings Net earnings Gross earnings Net earnings Gross earnings Net earnings
Ophthalmic and Dental … £19 11s. £16 12s. 6d. £20 15s. £17 14s. £21 18s. £18 18s.
(£19.55) (£16.63) (£20.75) (£17.70) (£21.90) (£18.90)
Prescriptions … £18 13s. £15 19s. 6d. £19 17s. £17 1s. £21 1s. £18 5s.
(£18.65) (£15.98) (£19.85) (£17.05) (£21.05) (£18.25)
Welfare Milk … £19 6s. £16 9s. 6d. £20 11s. £17 11s. £21 14s. £18 15s.
(£19.30) (£16.48) (£20.55) (£17.55) (£21.70) (£18.75)

Note:

It has been assumed in all cases that there are expenses in connection with employment of about 7s. (35p) a week; and that Family Allowances at the normal rates will be received in addition to these earnings. It has also been assumed that the rent (including rates) lies in the range £2 15s. (£2.75) to £3 a week. The levels can only be taken as a guide; higher or lower rents. for example, would increase or lower the levels of entitlement.

The figures in my reply today to the Hon. Member for Oldham. West (Mr Meacher) relate to net income.