§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when the 15p limit on the allowable cost of a meal during working hours, stipulated under regulation 4 of the Social Security Benefit (Computation of Earnings) Regulations 1978, was last increased; what estimate he has made of the percentage increase in restaurant meal prices since then; and if he will increase the limit by a similar percentage. [37841]
§ Mr. BurtThe 15p limit reflects the treatment, for tax purposes, of employees who receive luncheon vouchers. It has not been increased since its introduction in 1967. No estimate has been made of the increase in restaurant meal prices and we have no plans to increase the limit.