§ Mr. Fieldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many families would become ineligible for other benefit if child benefit were raised to the rate paid for the children of claimants drawing the higher rate of national insurance benefit; and what would be the gross and net cost of such a change.
§ Mr. NewtonI shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.
§ Dr. McDonaldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will estimate the numbers excluded from disablement benefit on the grounds of occupational deafness by the 12 months' rule for each year since 1978.
§ Mr. Fieldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what would be the cost of increasing the rate of non-contributory invalidity benefit to the rate paid to claimants drawing the contributory invalidity benefit.
§ Mr. Newton[pursuant to his reply, 12 November 1982, c. 303]: About £60 million.