HC Deb 15 December 1978 vol 960 c458W
Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what study has been made of the correlation between low birthweight and the ineligibility of the baby's mother for maternity grant; if he will finance a study if no information is available; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Orme:

Studies are being carried out on low birthweight, but there is no information to suggest a particular correlation with ineligibility for maternity grant and I have no plans to finance such a study.

Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the cost of increasing the maternity grant to £100 and making it noncontributory.

Mr. Orme:

About £50 million per year.

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