To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the additional administrative cost of(a) introducing a two-tier child benefit in April 1991 and (b) making a half-year increase in child benefit in October; and what was the yearly cost difference between paying a flat rate child benefit to every child and a two-tier benefit.

The administration of child benefit is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member and copies will be placed in the Library and the Public Information Office.