HC Deb 08 July 1975 vol 895 cc99-100W
49. Mr. Michael Marshall

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when she intends to introduce a child benefit which will improve the financial position of one-parent families who do not pay tax.

Mr. Meacher

The Child Benefit Bill provides an interim benefit specifically for one-parent families at the same rate as family allowance—£1.50 a week at present. This will start in April 1976. Since it will be subject to taxation to the same extent as family allowance, it will particularly improve the financial position of, for example, lone parents who, because of domestic commitments, do not earn enough to pay tax.