asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether the percentage of the Exchequer contribution to the National Insurance Fund has been declining over the past 20 years; what representations she has received in this connection from the Child Poverty Action Group; and what reply she has sent.

The Exchequer supplement to the National Insurance Fund has varied over the years. It represented 14·5 per cent. of the contribution income in 1954–55 and 16·8 per cent. of the contribution income in 1974–75. From and including 1975–76 the Treasury supplement will be at least 18 per cent. of the contribution income. I have received no representations on this matter from the Child Poverty Action Group.