§ Sir Ian GilmourTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish estimates of the number of families with dependent children, distinguishing between(a) married couples, (b) unmarried couples and (c) lone parents, and also showing the number of families where one parent is not the natural parent.
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§ Mrs. CurrieI regret that not all the information requested is available. The estimated numbers of families with dependent children in Great Britain in 1985 were as follows:
Type of family with dependent children1 Estimated Number (millions) Married Couples (including those stating they were living as a married couple) 6.3 Lone Parents (including any who were cohabiting but did not state they were living as a married couple) 1.0 TOTAL 7.3 Source: 1985 Labour Force Survey
1 Dependent children are those aged under 19 years, never married and either in full time education or else on a Government scheme.