HC Deb 03 December 1974 vol 882 cc415-6W
Mrs. Hayman

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what percentage of mothers giving birth in the last year had sufficient national insurance contributions to qualify for the maternity grant.

Mr. Alec Jones

In the year ended 30th September 1973 some 770,000 live and still births were registered, and approximately 700,000 maternity grants were paid. The latter figure represents just over 90 per cent. of the former. Differences between the times when births are registered and when maternity grant is payable mean that the figures are not strictly comparable; but they give a reasonable guide to the number of births which do not attract a grant—usually because of failure to satisfy the contribution conditions.

Mrs. Hayman

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when the level of the State maternity grant was last raised; what the grant is intended to cover; and what plans she has to raise the grant.

Mr. Alec Jones

Maternity grant, which was raised to its present level of £25 in November 1969, is intended as a contribution towards the general expenses associated with the birth of a child. We have not included any proposals for raising it in the Social Security Benefits Bill now before Parliament because we have given first priority to increases in the continuing weekly rates of benefit.

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