"A Fresh Look at Maternity Benefits"

HC Deb 08 June 1981 vol 6 c35W

Mr. Ted Fletcher

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if it is the intention of the Government, following the publication of the consultative document "A Fresh Look at Maternity Benefits", to introduce any changes in the present system.

Mrs. Chalker

In view of the response to the consultative document, I announced on 29 January, in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Abingdon (Mr. Benyon)—[Vol. 997, c.519]—that we are not proposing any radical changes in the system for the time being. The current Social Security Bill does, however, allow for an increase in the level of maternity pay when resources are available.