§ Mr. Freesonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what have been the amounts paid for dependants of the unemployed since 1979 at constant prices; and what present levels would maintain the value of the amounts as at May 1979.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe amounts paid for dependants of unemployed people since May 1979, expressed at constant October 1981 prices, are shown in the following table:
Adult Dependant Child Dependant (including child benefit) £ £ May 1979 13.72 6.82 November 1979 14.63 7.25 November 1980 14.13 6.65 These amounts take account of the movements in the general index of retail prices between May 1979 and October 1981—the latest available figure. The October 1981 levels required to maintain the real value of the amounts as at May 1979 are £13.72 for an adult dependant and £6.82—including child benefit—for a child. From 23 November 1981 the dependancy addition for an adult dependant will be 13.90 and for a child—including child benefit—£6.05.