HC Deb 20 February 1990 vol 167 cc683-4W
1. Mr. Redmond

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what paternity leave is allowed to staff in his Department; and if he will make a statement.

Table 1—Pensioners' Incomes
1974 1979 1987 real terms increase 1979–87 Per cent. real terms increase 1974–79
Total social security benefits 45.00 50.50 59.20 17 12
Occupational pensions 11.80 13.20 23.30 77 12
Savings income 10.70 9.10 20.90 130 -16
Earnings 13.60 9.90 7.90 -20 -27
Total gross income 81.10 82.80 111.20 34 2
Total net income 73.80 75.90 99.90 31 3

Notes:

Source: Family Expenditure Survey.

2. £s per week at 1987 prices.

Mrs. Gillian Shephard

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 26 January 1989 to the hon. Member for Leeds, West (Mr. Battle) at columns712–14, which listed the main changes to national insurance benefits since 1979. The numbers affected by each of these changes could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Further changes occurring since that reply are given in the table.

Mrs. Gillian Shephard

Paternity leave is not available to civil servants at present. The Treasury is, however, finalising arrangements for the introduction of an entitlement to two days' paid paternity leave.