Social Security

This is the third time the hon. Gentleman has given way, and I thank him for that. The hon. Gentleman is critical of what the Government have done about child poverty. May I remind him of the words of the shadow Minister with responsibility for family welfare, the hon. Member for Basingstoke (Mrs. Miller)? She said:"““As all speakers have acknowledged, aspects of child poverty have improved significantly.””—[Official Report, Westminster Hall, 6 March 2007; Vol. 457, c. 416WH.]" Furthermore, the hon. Member for Croydon, Central (Mr. Pelling) said:"““Good work is being done by the Government through Sure Start and other means to bring lone parents into economic activity.””—[Official Report, Westminster Hall, 6 March 2007; Vol. 457, c. 407WH.]" The party of the hon. Member for Hertsmere (Mr. Clappison) has recognised those things, but he has been very curmudgeonly in his assessment of what we are doing.