§ Mr. Archerasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what number of children were in care in Northern Ireland for each year since 1978; and what proportion they were of the total number of children in Northern Ireland for each year since 1978.
§ Mr. NeedhamThe information requested is given in the table below for the years 1978–85, the latest year for which figures are available.
Children in care of the Northern Ireland Health and Social Services Boards under section 103 of the Children and Young Persons Act (NI) 1968 or under a Fit Person Order under that Act at 31 December. Year Total number of children in care Rate per 1000 population aged under 18 1978 2,021 3.9 1979 2,127 4.2 1980 2,444 4.8 1981 2,584 5.1 1982 2,559 5.2 1983 2,547 5.2 1984 2,448 5.0 1985 2,512 5.2