HC Deb 28 February 1977 vol 927 cc60-2W
Mr. Newton

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish a table showing rates of family

RATES OF FAMILY ALLOWANCES, OR EQUIVALENT CASH BENEFITS, EXPRESSED IN POUNDS STERLING, PAYABLE MONTHLY IN EACH OF THE EEC MEMBER STATES AT 1ST OCTOBER 1975 (see Note 1)
Belgium (See Note 2) Denmark (See Note 3) France (See Note 4) Germany Republic of Ireland Italy Luxembourg (See Note 5) Nether lands (See Note 6) United Kingdom
£ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £
1st child 14.38 10.45 — 9.19 2.30 5.74 10.98 9.82 —
2nd child 22.81 10.45 15.00 12.87 3.60 5.74 10.98 16.06 6.50
3rd child 31.61 10.45 25.23 22.06 4.35 5.74 29.67 16.06 6.50
4th child 31.86 10.45 25.23 22.06 4.35 5.74 29.67 21.41 6.50
5th child 32.09 10.45 22.50 22.06 4.35 5.74 29.67 21.41 6.50
6th child 32.09 10.45 22.50 22.06 4.35 5.74 29.67 23.74 6.50
7th child 32.09 10.45 22.50 22.06 4.35 5.74 29.67 23.74 6.50
8th child and each other child. 32.09 10.45 22.50 22.06 4.35 5.74 29.67 26.26 6.50

RATES OF FAMILY ALLOWANCES, OR EQUIVALENT CASH BENEFITS, EXPRESSED IN POUNDS STERLING, PAYABLE MONTHLY IN EACH OF THE EEC MEMBER STATES AT 1ST OCTOBER 1976 (see Note 1)
Belgium (See Note 7) Denmark (See Note 3) France (See Note 8) Germany Republic of Ireland Italy Luxembourg (See Note 5) Netherlands (See Note 6) United Kingdom (See Note 9)
£ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £
1st child 20.62 14.06 — 12.16 2.30 7.02 15.74 12.80 (See Note 10)
2nd child 32.72 14.06 18.48 17.02 3.60 7.02 15.74 22.88 6.50
3rd child 44.81 14.06 31.07 29.18 4.35 7.02 42.54 22.88 6.50
4th child 45.70 14.06 31.07 29.18 4.35 7.02 42.54 30.52 6.50
5th child 46.03 14.06 27.71 29.18 4.35 7.02 42.54 30.52 6.50
6th child 46.03 14.06 27.71 29.18 4.35 7.02 42.54 33.79 6.50
7th child 46.03 14.06 27.71 29.18 4.35 7.02 42.54 33.79 6.50
8th child and each other child 46.03 14.06 27.71 29.18 4.35 7.02 42.54 37.38 6.50
Notes:
1. The sterling equivalents have been obtained by applying the exchange rates current on the dates in question. A meaningful comparison of the figures cannot be made without taking account of the local cost of living (especially that affecting the maintenance of children) and other factors which vary from country to country, such as general wage levels, taxation and the extent to which other provision is made through free education, housing subsidies, medical care, and ante- and post-natal welfare and advice services. The distorting effects of the fluctuating exchange rates must also be borne in mind; the apparent increase in German allowances, for example, derives solely from this factor.
2. Additional allowances of up to £7.68 are payable for each child aged 6 or more, according to age.
3. Higher rates are payable for children of pensioners or of single parents.
4. Additional allowances of up to £10.91 are payable for each child other than the first, if there are children aged 10 or over, according to age. Also additional allowances of up to £28.90 are payable for families with only one breadwinner.
5. Additional allowances are payable for each child over 12 years of age.
6. Double or treble allowances can be paid if a student, an apprentice or a disabled person is substantially maintained by his parents.
7. Additional allowances of up to £11.01 are payable for each child aged six or more, according to age.
8. Additional allowances of up to £13.44 are payable for each child other than the first, if there are children aged ten or over, according to age. Also additional allowances of up to £35.21 are payable for families with only one breadwinner.
9. Additionally, child interim benefit of £6.50 a month was introduced in April 1976 for single parents with one or more children living with them.
10. Provision for the first child will be made from April 1977.
allowances in each of the EEC member States expressed in United Kingdom currency, in October 1975 and October 1976.

Mr. Deakins

Following is the information: