§ Sir Ian GilmourTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many and what percentage of children born in Northern Ireland during 1988 were eligible for maternity payments through the social fund; and what was the average payment made.
§ Mr. Needham[holding answer 3 May 1989]: Information in the form requested is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. However, during 1988, 8,129 maternity payments were made. The normal flat-rate payment is £85 per child.