HC Deb 23 May 1979 vol 967 cc126-9W
Mr. Field

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish a table showing the rates of family allowances in each member State of the EEC expressed in £ sterling in April on the most recent date for which the information is available.

Mrs. Chalker

The following table shows the monthly rates of family allowances, or equivalent cash benefits, payable in each of the EEC member States as at 2 April 1979. The sterling equivalents have been obtained by applying the exchange rates current on that date.

Family allowances comprise only part of the varying provision made by each country for the support of families with children. Moreover, a meaningful comparison of allowances cannot be made without taking into account the local cost of living—especially that affecting the maintenance of children—and other factors which vary from country to country, such as general wage levels, taxation and the extent to which other provision is made through free education, housing subsidies, medical care and ante and postnatal welfare and advice services. Fluctuating exchange rates also distort comparisons.

Belgium (See Note 1) Denmark (See Note 2) France (See Note 3) Germany Republic of Ireland (See Note 4) Italy Luxembourg (See Note 5) Netherlands (See Note 6) United Kingdom (See Note 7)
£ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £
First child … … … … … 23.80 14.54 — 12.83 3.44 5.67 19.24 19.41 17.33
Second child … … … … 37.76 14.54 21.88 20.53 5.41 5.67 19.24 27.91 17.33
Third child … … … … … 51.68 14.54 36.15 51.31 5.41 5.67 49.57 27.91 17.33
Fourth child … … … … 52.72 14.54 35.20 51.31 5.41 5.67 49.57 37.27 17.33
Fifth child … … … … … 53.10 14.54 33.30 51.31 5.41 5.67 49.57 37.27 17.33
Sixth child … … … … … 53.10 14.54 33.30 51.31 5.41 5.67 49.57 41.24 17.33
Seventh child … … … … 53.10 14.54 33.30 51.31 5.41 5.67 49.57 41.24 17.33
Eight child and each other child … … 53.10 14.54 33.30 51.31 5.41 5.67 49.57 45.64 17.33
Notes:
1. Additional allowances of up to £12.71 are payable for each child aged 6 or over, according to age.
2. Higher rates are payable for children of pensioners or of single parents.
3. Additional family allowances of up to £15.22 are payable for each child other than the first if there are children aged 10 or over, according to age. A separate benefit, family supplement, may also be paid for families with three or more children or for those with a child under 3—even if it is the only child.
4. Rates in Irish pounds are £3.50 for the first child and £5.50 for each child thereafter.
5. Additional allowances of up to £6.24 are payable for each child aged 6 or over.
6. Double or treble allowances can be paid if a student, apprentice, or disabled person is substantially maintained by his parents.
7. An additional allowance of £8.67 is payable for the first child of a lone parent.