§ Mr. Peter Bottomleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish the latest information available on the proportion of existing mothers who have opted for weekly child benefit; and if he can give any information on the number of new eligible mothers who have opted for weekly benefit.
§ Mr. NewtonJust over 4.5 million mothers entitled to child benefit before 15 March 1982 have opted for weekly payment; this represents about 63 per cent., of the total number of beneficiaries. Detailed information on the number of mothers entitled to child benefit for the first time after 15 March 1982 who have opted for weekly payment is not yet available. But a sample check shows that of 1,500 new claims made between 15 March 1982 and 31 May 1982, some 400 mothers are receiving payment weekly.