§ Dr. McDonaldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what changes in numbers qualifying for the benefit have been responsible for the rise from £5.6 million in June 1979 to £6 million in January of the current year in the estimated cost of a 1prise in children benefit.
§ Mrs. ChalkerIn my reply to the hon. Member of 25 July 1979, I indicated that the estimated cost of each extra 1p on child benefits in 1980–81 would be £5.6 million. I have no reason to revise the figure and my reply to the hon. Member for Birmingham, Parry Barr (Mr. Rooker) on 29 January 1980 was based 815W on that estimate.—[Vol. 971, c. 301–2; Vol. 977, c. 1112.]