§ Mr. Fordasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the reason for the 12 months' time bar on claims for maternity grant.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe absolute time limit which applies to most social security benefits, was increased from six to 12 months in 1969 following the recommendation of the national insurance advisory committee. "Report on the Question of the Time Limit for Obtaining Payment of Benefit"—Cmnd. 3591, April 1968. Its view was that the overriding limits was essential if the initial time limits for claiming were not to be abused.