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Additional Statutory Paternity Pay (General) Regulations 2010

My Lords, taken overall, these measures are to be welcomed, which we do from these Benches. Some people will have concerns about the details but the principles are right. I am glad, though, that the Minister referred to small businesses when he introduced them. As has been said so often, it is unfair that one parent, the mother, has to take the full burden of looking after a child and unfair that many fathers are desperate to spend more time with their child but are just unable to do so. I am not sure where this statistic comes from, but it is said that nearly two-thirds of fathers think that they should spend more time caring for their child or children. On that basis, it could also be said that one-third of fathers do not share this outlook. That is as it may or may not be, but, by changing the present situation, as it becomes the norm for fathers to have the opportunity of sharing the parental role, these measures in themselves over time will, one hopes, encourage fathers who are not engaged to think more about their role in life. There is a lot of concern about how children are brought up. From time to time we see the results of parenting that is failing or is not up to the mark, such as dysfunctional families or disturbed youngsters, and the social impact that they have on society. These measures encourage fathers to take part and encourage both parents to share the load. Welcome as they are, though, it is important that for paternity and maternity rules there should be clarity. The Minister spoke about guidance. I say from these Benches that this is an important issue. I have raised concerns in the past, as the Minister may be aware, about the detail and the length of guidance that is given. In this connection, I refer the Minister particularly to a document entitled Terms and Conditions of Employment: The Additional Statutory Paternity Pay (Weekly Rates) Regulations 2010. On the first page, under the heading, "Weekly rate of payment of additional statutory paternity pay", it says: ""The weekly rate of payment of additional statutory paternity pay shall be the smaller of the following two amounts— (a) £124.88; (b) 90 per cent of the normal weekly earnings of the person claiming"." In effect, it is saying £124.88 or 90 per cent of the normal weekly earnings. I may have got this wrong, but on the second page, under the heading, "Explanatory note"—for further explanation and clarification, I take it—it says: ""Regulation 2 sets the weekly rate of payment of additional statutory paternity pay at the smaller of £124.88 and 90 per cent of the employee’s normal weekly earnings"—" rather than "or", so someone will be getting £124.88 plus 90 per cent of their normal weekly earnings. The Minister’s officials may be able to help him in this respect. If I have got this wrong, then I am sure that someone will put me right; if not, I would hope the Minister will take it on board and see that it is corrected, because it calls the accuracy of the guidance into question. I have already raised the issue of the Inland Revenue website and how employers and others have difficulty finding the specific guidance they need. The website needs to be improved; and if this information should be included, it would appear to be contradictory. I therefore hope for a response from the Minister either now or in the future.