Large Families

Oral Answers to Questions — Social Security – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 15 July 1968.

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Photo of Mr Philip Goodhart Mr Philip Goodhart , Beckenham 12:00, 15 July 1968

asked the Minister of Social Security what proposals she has under consideration for reducing the payment of benefits to the parents of large families.

Photo of Mr Philip Goodhart Mr Philip Goodhart , Beckenham

Will the Minister now categorically dissociate herself from the sterile speeches, made by her own Parliamentary Private Secretary and also the Chairman of the Parliamentary Labour Party, in which they suggested that the raising of large families is anti-social behaviour?

Photo of Mrs Judith Hart Mrs Judith Hart , Lanark

In fact, the hon. Gentleman may not know that on 4th July, after my right hon. Friend's speech, my own Ministry issued a Press statement in which we said that my right hon. Friend was certainly speaking for himself, and the Government took the view that the size of a family is certainly a private and personal matter. This, therefore, is my view. I believe myself that we are still a very considerable way from the horrors of 1984.