36.
To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations he has received about the upper earnings limit for social security contributions.
38.
To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations he has received about the upper earnings limit for social security contributions.
43.
To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations he has received about the upper earnings limit for social security contributions.
We received representations from the Institute of Directors on this subject early this year.
40.
To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the value of child benefit in real terms and as a percentage of average earnings in 1980, 1985 and 1990, respectively.
42.
To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the value of child benefit in real terms and as a percentage of average earnings in 1980, 1985 and 1990, respectively.
The information is as follows:
| Date | Weekly rate of child benefit (£) | Equivalent value at April 1990 price1 (£) | Rate as a percentage of average male gross earnings |
| November 1980 | 4·75 | 8·55 | 3·5 |
| November 1985 | 7·00 | 9·13 | 3·5 |
| April 1990 | 7·25 | 7·25 | 2·5 |
| 1 Based on the movement in the general index of retail prices between the date in the first column and April 1990. | |||
To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on his plans for child benefit in 1991.
50.
To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on his plans for child benefit in 1991.
The Government's position on child benefit remains as set out in our last manifesto. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will continue therefore to review its level each year in accordance with existing law.