§ Mr. Fisherasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many children are in care in England.
§ Mr. NewtonAn estimated figure of 88,000 children were in care in England at 31 March 1982.
§ Mr. Fisherasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many children in care in the United Kingdom, aged more than two years, have been in care for (a) more than five years, (b) between two and five years, (c) between one and two years and (d) less than one year;
(2) how many children in the United Kingdom are in care in each of (a) the shire counties, (b) the metropolitan counties, and (c) the Greater London Council; and if he will list them by authority;
(3) how many children in care in the United Kingdom are aged (a) less than two years, (b) two to five years, (c) five to 11 years and (d) 11 to 16 years.
§ Mr. NewtonThe number of children in care listed by authority for England and Wales is given in "Children in Care in England and Wales March 1981"; for Scotland "Children in Care or under Supervision as at 31 March 1981" — Statistical Bulletin No. CC5/1983. Both documents, which are available in the Library of the House, also provide details of the age and duration of stay of children in care though not strictly in the form requested. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland will write to the hon. Member and provide equivalent figures for Northern Ireland.