§ 23. Mr. Eric ClarkeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress is being made in tackling poverty among children and pensioners in Scotland; and if he will make a statement. [104950]
§ Mr. WilsonThe UK Government have a range of initiatives to alleviate poverty among children and pensioners in Scotland: the Working Families Tax Credit, increases in child benefit, the restoration of free eye tests for pensioners, the Minimum Income Guarantee for pensioners, cutting VAT on domestic fuel and increasing the winter fuel allowance. In addition, the Joint Ministerial Committee on Poverty met last month and will ensure that the UK Government and the devolved administrations work effectively in partnership to alleviate poverty.