§ Mr. AtkinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he has any plans to introduce a child benefit for grandparents who care for a grandchild in the absence of the mother; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. JackA grandparent who is responsible for bringing up a grandchild can claim child benefit under the existing rules.
§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the full-year cost of raising child benefit in October to £9.55 a week for all children, assuming a corresponding increase in income-related benefit allowances for children and in child dependency increases paid with national insurance benefits, giving figures for Great Britain and the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. JackThe cost for Great Britain over that of next October's actual benefit increases would be £695 million. Information relating to Northern Ireland is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.