§ Sir Ralph HowellTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the net saving which would be made by the abolition of child benefit after taking account of the extent to which those families in real need would have their income support increased by the same amount.
§ Mr. BurtI have been asked to reply.
It is estimated that the saving arising from the abolition of child benefit net of income support, housing and council tax benefit offsets would be £4.25 billion in 1993–94.