§ 8. Mr. Jayasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will restore the real value of the maternity grant to what it was when first introduced.
§ Mr. NewtonI have no plans to increase the grant at present. However, as I announced last week, it is our intention to review finanical provision for maternity. Work should start next year when the statutory sick pay scheme will have been in operation for some time and the non-contributory maternity grant will have been in payment for some two years. Decisions on the nature and scope of the review will be taken nearer the time.
§ 66. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when the maternity grant was last increased; and what increase would be needed to restore its real value at that date.
§ Mr. RossiThe grant was increased to its present level of £25 in November 1969. On the basis of the movement on the general index of retail prices up to November 1982 the grant would have to be increased to £117–13 to restore its 1969 purchasing power.