§ Mr. Ralph Howellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will bring up to date in line with benefit changes due to take effect next November his reply to the hon. Member for Norfolk, North, Official Report 12th July, c. 615–16, showing the net weekly spending power of a lone mother at different levels of earnings and when unemployed, on the assumption that when working she is contracted in the State pension scheme.
§ Mr. Orme,pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 7th November 1978; Vol. 957 c. 147–8], gave the following information:
The tables attached correspond to those included in my earlier reply, table 2 showing the levels at which, on the basis of the hon. Member's hypothetical assumptions, there may no longer be title to means-tested benefits. The hon. Member will appreciate that the figures relate only to the illustrative examples he has chosen and have no general validity.