§ Sir Eldon Griffithsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what estimate he has made of the compliance costs of his proposals for family credit.
§ Mr. NewtonPrecise costs will depend on the operational details, which have not yet been finalised.
§ Mr. Meacherasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what form the consultation on the payment mechanism for family credit will take; which organisations are being consulted; and when he hopes to announce the outcome of the consultation.
§ Mr. NewtonMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced on 19 May that he was prepared to reconsider the mechanism by which family credit is to be paid and that he would be inviting the CBI, the National Federation of Self Employed and Small Businesses, the Equal Opportunities Commission and the Women's National Commission to discussions. We shall also have regard to the other representations which have been made on this issue including those expressed during the consideration of the current Social Security Bill. We shall announce the outcome of the reconsideration as soon as possible.
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§ Mr. Marlowasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what assessment he has made of the implications of European legislation or of decisions by Community institutions with regard to any decision by Her Majesty's Government as to whether family credit should be payable on a sexually defined basis.
§ Mr. Newton[pursuant to his reply, 23 May c. 382]: I understand that the present provisions on equal treatment in social security Council directive 79/7/EEC, would not apply to family credit.