§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Secretary of State for Social Services by how much the value of the £4 child benefit has fallen in real terms since it was increased to that amount.
§ Mr. Dubsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the present value of child benefit in real terms compared with £4 in April 1979; and at present rates of inflation, what he estimates will be the real value in November 1980 and April 1981.
§ Mrs. ChalkerCompared with April 1979 the value of child benefit at December 1979 was £3.58. On the basis of the Industry Act forecast of the movement of prices from quarter 4 1979 to quarter 4 1980 of 14 per cent., the value would be about £3.16 in November 1980. In the 247W absence of any such forecast to April 1981, I cannot speculate as to the value at that date.