§ Mr. Ovendenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what would be the extra cost if widows' dependency allowances were not reduced in April when child benefit is increased and widows' tax allowances were not increased.
§ Mr. OrmeOn the assumption that widow pensioners were paid the full cash increase in child benefit of £1.30 for the oldest child and £0.80p for younger children, and that the special tax allowance of £52 for each child given in 1977–78 was continued but not increased to £80 for 1978–79, there would be a net cost of £10 million in a full year. To the extent that the concession would also need to be given to other long-term national insurance beneficiaries, an additional cost of £12 million would arise.