HC Deb 14 December 1981 vol 15 cc44-5W
Mr. Peter Bottomley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proportion of parents have opted to receive their child benefit weekly.

Mr. John Patten

The issue of option letters began on 5 November and will continue until March 1982. It is therefore not possible to say what percentage will opt for weekly payment. Claimants can opt for weekly payments any time during the six months after the expiry of the order book issued immediately before the option letter.