HC Deb 08 May 1978 vol 949 cc363-4W
Mr. Sproat

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what latest estimate he

allowing £3 a week for work expenses, equivalent to (a) 100 per cent., (b) 120 per cent. and (c) 140 per cent. of his supplementary benefit entitlement, plus addition for free school meals;

(3) if he will publish figures tabulating the total gross cost to the employer, including employer's national insurance contribution with 2 per cent. surcharge, and any other statutory payments, as well as wages, of providing a wage which will leave a married man with three children aged 15, 13 and 9 years with a net weekly income, net of housing costs and after allowing £3 a week for work expenses, equivalent to (a) 100 per cent., (b) 120 per cent. and (c) 140 per cent. of his supplementary benefit entitlement plus addition for free school meals.

Mr. Orme

I regret that information in the form and to the extent requested could not be obtained without disproportionate expense. However, the following table gives such information as is available for a married man with two childen aged 4 and 6 on the basis of the assumptions included in the notes below:

has made of that amount of child benefits payable at the new rates announced on 11th April 1978 that will go to families where the head of the family is earning above the national average wage, or the joint income of husband and wife is above the national average.

Mr. Orme

I will let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.