§ Mr. Bestasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the present level of maternity grant; how long it has remained at that level; to what it should be raised to be equal to what it was in 1973 in real terms; and whether he intends to increase it.
§ Mr. PrenticeThe maternity grant was increased to its present level of £25 in November 1969. At June 1979 prices it would have to be increased to £57 to restore its 1973 value. My right hon. Friend has no plans to increase the grant.
§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will increase the present maternity grant fixed at £25 10 years ago to a realistic figure appropriate to the increased living costs since then.
§ Mr. PrenticeMy right hon. Friend has no current proposals for a higher grant.