§ Mr. HumeTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what are the numbers in receipt of family credits in Northern Ireland; what is the total number of dependents involved; and what is the total amount paid in family credit in the latest available week in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Needham[holding answer 21 December 1988]: At 6 December 1988 the estimated number of people in receipt of family credit in Northern Ireland was 14,000. The estimated number of dependent children involved was 36,000. Precise details of the amount paid in any particular week are not available but it is estimated that the total amount paid from April 1988 to 6 December 1988 was £19 million.