§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what would be the cost of making the maternity grant non-contributory; what percentage of mothers qualify under the present rules; and if he will list the main categories of mothers who fail to qualify;
(2) if he will make the maternity grant non-contributory; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. ChalkerAbout 92 per cent. of all mothers receive the grant. The main groups which do not qualify are unmarried mothers who have a deficient contribution record; and some wives of prisoners and students.
Whilst we have sympathy with the suggestion, my right hon. Friend has no immediate plans to make maternity grant non-contributory.
513WIt is estimated that it would cost £1.5 million to make the maternity grant non-contributory at its present level.