§ Mr. Pendryasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has embarked upon consultations to bring maternity benefit levels in the United Kingdom into line with those paid by other EEC member countries.
§ Mrs. ChalkerA consultation paper, "A Fresh Look at Maternity", was issued on 27 October. This made it clear that the Government are prepared to consider any proposals for amending the structure of financial help available to pregnant women, provided that the changes do not result in an increase in public expenditure.