HC Deb 23 July 1996 vol 282 cc276-7W
13. Mr. Steen

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the earnings disregard, with particular reference to single mothers on benefit. [36968]

Mr. Andrew Mitchell

The earnings disregard is part of our three-fold strategy for lone parents: namely, to help and encourage lone parents to take up work through work incentives, to ensure that both parents take responsibility for their children and that maintenance is properly paid, and to ensure even-handed treatment of one and two parent families.