Social Security

Far more lone parents are in employment than was the case when this Government came into office, and we are ensuring that we get more lone parents into work. If the hon. Gentleman were to examine and compare our record with that of the previous Government, he would find that his party—I accept that he was not in Parliament at that stage—has something to be ashamed of whereas our party has something of which to be very proud. We will be even more pleased by the time of the next election because we will have helped even more lone parents into work. The cost of uprating benefits for next year is nearly £4 billion, more than two thirds of which will go to pensioners. Together with the further measures to increase pension credit take-up that I announced recently, the money represents a substantial further investment in an active welfare state, social justice, reducing poverty and helping those in need. I commend these orders to the House.