HC Deb 02 July 1985 vol 82 c133W
Mr. Frank Field

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, when he publishes the details, he will make it his policy to clarify the likely gainers and losers in the proposals outlined in the review of social security according to whether the claimants are (a) above or below retirement age and (b) are or are not responsible for children.

Mr. Newton

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Dunfermline, East (Mr. Brown) at columns92–3 on 18 June.

Mr. Forman

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if under 16-year-old mothers will be entitled to the new maternity grant proposed in the Green Paper on the reform of social security.

Mr. Newton

We shall consider the entitlement of mothers under age 16 as we develop our proposals for the social fund. Our guiding principle will remain our desire to concentrate help on low income families.