§ Lord Brockwayasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is their response to the report of the Maternity Alliance which alleges that babies born into families where there is unemployment face a greater risk of ill-health and deprivation, with effects stretching beyond childhood, and urging an increase in maternity grants, child benefit and unemployment benefit.
§ Baroness TrumpingtonWe are committed to the principle of giving financial support to those who bear the extra responsibility of bringing up children. The Maternity Alliance report highlighted the needs of the unemployed with children. Our Green PaperReform of Social Security (Cmnd. 9517) sets out proposals to meet genuine need for all, whether in or out of work. The proposed assistance for unemployed families includes child benefit and unemployment benefit, and special help for those in need through a new family premium on top of an age-related allowance for each child, and help with maternity costs through the new social fund.