Supplementary Benefits (Children)

Oral Answers to Questions — Social Services – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 4 December 1973.

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Photo of Mr Joe Ashton Mr Joe Ashton , Bassetlaw 12:00, 4 December 1973

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the cost of supplementary benefits for children payable during the week ending 25th December.

Photo of Mr Paul Dean Mr Paul Dean , Somerset North

The latest available estimate suggests that the amount included in assessments will be about £2 million.

Photo of Mr Joe Ashton Mr Joe Ashton , Bassetlaw

As that is not a very large sum and the Government have found money to give a £10 bonus to pensioners for Christmas, is it not possible—since these children belong mainly to widows and deserted wives—at least to double the supplementary benefit for that week and so help these modern-day Oliver Twists and Tiny Tims?

Photo of Mr Paul Dean Mr Paul Dean , Somerset North

As the hon. Gentleman knows, the allowances for children were increased in October, both under the National Insurance Scheme and under the supplementary benefit arrangements. We shall certainly consider the needs of children along with any other priorities, but we thought that the right priority was the elderly, particularly in the matter of a special payment.