§ Mr. Needhamasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list for each of the last 10 years the percentage increase in flat rate unemployment benefit received by a couple and by a couple with two children and the percentage increases in net and gross average earnings.
§ Dr. BoysonI refer my hon. Friend to the abstract of statistics for index of retail prices, average earnings, social security benefits and contributions, June 1983, which is in the Library of the House. Table 6.1b provides the figures from which percentage increases may be derived. Both the earnings—gross and net—and the benefit figures in that table, for the couples with children, include family allowance-child benefit; I think that gives a better basis for comparison. My hon. Friend will know that the corresponding benefit rates after the uprating in November will be £43.75 for a married couple and £57.05 for a couple with two children.