§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services on the basis of 253W what principle he decides whether payment of a social benefit to particular sections of the community should be means-tested or not.
§ Sir K. JosephThat basis of payment is proposed which is most appropriate in all the circumstances.
§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects to complete his studies into the disincentive effect of loss of means-tested benefits on workers with children who receive wage increases; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir K. JosephWe have a number of studies in hand which are designed to extend our knowledge of the effects of the interaction of existing benefits and to help us to find improved methods of safeguarding the incentive to maximise earnings while providing adequate help for low income families with children.