§ Mr. Archerasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many women in Northern Ireland were in receipt of maternity allowance grant for each year since 1978; and what proportion of those numbers will continue to receive state aid when the new Government regulations come into force.
§ Mr. NeedhamInformation is not available in the precise form requested. However, the number of £25
Year ended 31 March Grants 1978 24,040 1979 25,300 1980 25,590 1981 25,870 1982 125,056 1983 27,653 1984 26,293 1985 26,682 1986 26,092 1987 22,705 1 Estimated. It is estimated that some 12,400 maternity payments at £80 will be made from the social fund during the year ending 31 March 1988.