§ 23. Mr. Home Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the loss in the real value of child benefit between April 1979 and November 1982; and what it would cost to make good the loss.
§ Mr. NewtonIn order to match the real value of child benefit at April 1979, the new rate from November 1982 would have needed to be £6.10 instead of £5.85. The additional cost would be almost £130 million over 12 months.
§ 24. Mr. Maxtonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will increase child benefit in the 1983 uprating so as to match any increase in personal tax allowances over and above what is required to keep pace with inflation.
§ Mr. NewtonDecisions about the 1983 uprating will, as usual, be taken at Budget time. The hon. Member's point has been noted.