To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his Department's definition is of a universal benefit; and if that definition covers a benefit which is taxed or means-tested. [30608]

[holding answer 23 February 1998]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Social Security, my hon. Friend the Member for Manchester, Withington (Mr. Bradley), on 19 February 1998, Official Report, column 86.