Savings Accounts and Health in Pregnancy Grant Bill

Nicholas Dakin Excerpts

Monday 22nd November 2010 Commons Chamber

[John Hemming]

I agree entirely, but it is also the state’s responsibility to make sure that we do not spend £7 million to give people £2 million. Putting aside whether child trust funds bring a return over time, it is absolutely absurd to propose, as the Opposition do, spending £7 million to give children in care £2 million. There has to be a better way of doing things. Also, those children would not get the money until they were 18.

[Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab)]

I think that the hon. Gentleman agrees that we should support looked-after children in some way, so can he suggest a better way? [Interruption.]

[John Hemming]

From a sedentary position, an hon. Member suggests that we ensure they have a job. That is true, but what we are talking about is a child trust fund that is made available at the age of 18.