George Osborne said the case of Mick and Mairead Philpott raised questions about the welfare system.

The couple - who lived on substantial benefits payments - were jailed for killing their six children in a house fire in Derby.

Asked on a visit to the city whether Mick Philpott was a "vile product" of the benefit system, the Chancellor said a debate was needed on the welfare state subsidising a lifestyle such as Philpott's.