asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will extend the scope of child benefit increases to include people other than parents who are bringing up children alone.

Yes. People other than parents who are bringing up children alone are in a similar situation to lone parents. It is right, therefore, that, subject to satisfying the relevant conditions, they should be eligible for the additional help provided by child benefit increase. Regulations will be introduced to make this effective as early as possible in 1980.