§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he intends to change the regulations to enable women to call themselves head of their household and claim social security benefits for their family on an equal footing with men; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Newton:During the passing of the Social Security Act 1980 the Government made it clear that they intended to introduce changes to enable women to claim supplementary benefit and family income supplement for their families on the same terms as men from November 1983. Amendments relating to similar treatment for men and women claiming contributory benefits were expected 234W to take effect in November 1983 and November 1984. It is still the Government's intention to adhere to these dates. The question of head of household status should not arise.