§ Mr. Nicholas BrownTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the cost during the financial year 1991–92 of restoring child benefit for all children to its April 1987 value, assuming(a) no corresponding increase in means-tested family benefits and (b) a corresponding increase in allowances for children under income support, family credit housing benefit and community charge benefit.
§ Mr. Scott[holding answer 21 January 1991]: The estimated cost of restoring child benefit to its April 1987 value assuming no corresponding increase in income-related benefits would be around £775 million. The estimated cost of restoring child benefit to its April 1987 value assuming a corresponding increase in income-related benefit allowances for children would be in excess of £1 billion at 1991–92 prices.