HC Deb 21 July 1981 vol 9 cc99-100W
Mr. McMahon

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the estimated cost to local authorities in Scotland of keeping a child in care; and what parental contribution is made.

Mr. Fairgrieve

The estimated average cost of keeping a child in residential care or fostercare was £62 per week in 1978–79. This excludes local authority central staff and administration costs and loan charges, which cannot be identified separately. Information is not available centrally about parental contributions which are made at the discretion of each authority.