§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what studies are being undertaken at present to review weekly payments of child benefit.
§ Mrs. ChalkerNone. The Government are still considering comments on their proposals in Cmnd. 8106.
§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is still contemplating making any changes in the method of payment of child benefit.
§ Mrs. ChalkerCmnd. 8106 set out the Government's proposals for changes in the arrangements for paying social security benefits, including child benefit. The Government will await the outcome of public discussions on these proposals before taking final decisions on any changes to be made.
§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received in favour of monthly payments of child benefit; how many letters he has received opposing this plan; which organisations have sent letters to him opposing the plan; and what consideration is being given to the effect of the change on the viability of small post offices.
§ Mrs. ChalkerSo far we have received some 170 letters in response to our proposals in Cmnd. 8106. They include letters from hon. Members and individual members of the public as well as from national and local organisations. The consultation period continues until the end of February. The representations will then be analysed and considered. We are discussing the effect of our proposals on Post Offices with post office interests. Our firm objective is to enable new counter business to grow at a faster rate than the loss of DHSS business, in order to ensure that there is sufficient counter revenue available to honour the Government's pledge that the sub-post office network will be safeguarded.