HC Deb 12 June 1986 vol 99 c300W
Mr. Meacher

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what offsetting cuts in expenditure he intends to make to compensate for the £64 million unplanned overspend on child benefits.

Mr. Newton

Since this expenditure occurred in the financial year 1985–86 and became apparent only at the end of that year, there was no question of compensating action.