HC Deb 27 January 1978 vol 942 c821W
Mr. Peter Morrison

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, when the age addition grant and the maternity grant were last increased.

Mr. Deakins

The 25 pence age addition, which is paid to pensioners aged 80 and over, has not been increased since its introduction in September 1971.

The maternity grant, currently £25, which is intended only as a contribution towards the expenses of having a baby, was last increased in November 1969. In present economic circumstarnces the Government's priorities have been to concentrate resources on improving the general level of basic retirement pensions and other maintenance benefits.