Social Security Bill — 10 Dec 1997

As amended (in the Standing Committee), considered .

Ordered ,

That the Bill, as amended, be considered in the following order, namely, new Clauses; new Schedules; Clauses 1 to 3; Clauses 9 to 12; Clauses 18 and 19; Clauses 4 to 8; Schedule 1; Clause 13; Clause 77; Schedules 2 and 3; Clauses 14 and 15; Schedule 4; Clauses 16 and 17; Schedule 5; Clauses 20 to 22; Clause 35; Clause 23; Clause 59; Clauses 24 to 34; Clauses 36 and 37; Clauses 39 to 58; Clauses 60 to 69; Clause 38; Clause 73; Clauses 70 to 72; Clauses 74 to 76; Clauses 78 to 80; Schedules 6 and 7; Clause 81.--[ Mr. Jon Owen Jones .]

New clause 1

Child benefit for lone parents

'(1) The Secretary of State shall prescribe a special rate of child benefit for the first, elder or eldest child in a lone parent family which shall be at least 60 per cent. greater than the standard rate of child benefit for a first, elder or eldest child.

(2) In this section "lone parent" means a parent who--

(a) has no spouse or is not living with his spouse; and

(b) is not living with any other person as his spouse.'.-- [Mr. Webb.]

Brought up, and read the First time.

I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time.

Mr. Deputy Speaker (Mr. Michael Lord):

With this, it will be convenient to discuss amendment No. 1, in clause 70, page 46, line 35, leave out from beginning to end of line 1 on page 47.

Those were the words of the current Secretary of State just over 12 months ago.

The Guardian poll revealed that rather than the new Labour Government being in tune with the people, they are in a small minority, and the overwhelming majority of the British people are opposed to what they propose tonight. We have the vast majority of the public with us. Most people believe that it is time that those who have done so well out of the past 18 years should pay a bit more towards the running and rebuilding of Britain and not let that burden fall on the poorest children in the poorest families.

On 19 February this year, just a handful of weeks before the election, the right hon. Lady said:

"Our approach will not be to cut the social security budget by making the poorest poorer."---[ Official Report , 19 February 1997; Vol. 290, c. 944.]

Question, That the Question be now put, put and agreed to.

Question put accordingly, That the clause be read a Second time:--

The House divided: Ayes 62, Noes 458.

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