§ Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Keighley on 28 April, what are the differences between benefit payments to natural and adoptive mothers and maternity rights between the two.
§ Mrs. ChalkerA person's entitlement to child benefit or to a child dependency addition to a benefit is the same whether he or she is a natural or adoptive parent. Maternity benefits are, however, payable only to women who have been or are expecting to be confined. Where a woman qualifies for such benefits, her entitlement is not affected by the subsequent adoption of the child. Similar considerations apply to maternity rights under the employment legislation.