§ Mr. Andrew F. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the rates of fostering allowances paid by 45W local authorities and groups of local authorities in England and Wales for children of selected ages.
§ Dr. OwenI regret that information in the form requested by my hon. Friend is not available. Local authority boarding-out allowances vary in accordance with a child's individual needs as well as taking account of his age. The estimated average cost for all local authorities in England and Wales of a child in the care of foster parents was just over £5 a week in 1972–73. Local Health and Social Services Statistics, published annually by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, show the "Cost per child week boarded out (excluding administration)" for each local authority in England and Wales having children in care but these statistics do not provide a breakdown by age. Statistics covering the year ending 31st March 1973 are expected to be published in July.