§ Mr. Austin Mitchellasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the distribution of the increased expenditure which would follow an increase in child benefit of £3 per week; and, in particular, how much of this would be spent on manufactures.
§ Mr. Peter ReesAn increase in child benefit of £3 per week (taking effect in November 1985) would increase public expenditure by about £1½ billion in a full year. The economic effects would depend on how this was financed. Information on the distribution of any additional consumers' expenditure which might result is not readily available.