§ Mrs. Maureen Hicksasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his policy with regard to the future of child benefit payments; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ScottThere are no plans to reduce the scope of child benefit. All families will continue to get child benefit and it will be paid to the mother. Its rate will be determined as a part of the annual social security uprating exercise, when the need for a balanced programme of family support is considered.