§ Mr. Skinnerasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will now seek to amend the Employment Protection (Consolidation) Act to (a) increase maternity pay from six to 18 weeks and (b) raise maternity pay from 90 per cent. to 100 per cent. of total earnings.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonI have no intention of increasing the maternity pay period from six to 18 weeks. I am, however, seeking powers in the Social Security Bill now before Parliament to allow me to raise maternity pay from 90 per cent. to 100 per cent. of normal earnings as soon as resources are available.