§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his latest estimate of the full annual cost to the Government of marriage breakdown.
§ Mr. John PattenDetailed research on which to base a firm estimate is not available. We are presently considering an estimate that RELATE—formerly the National Marriage Guidance Council—has drawn up based on its own work. It is likely that considerable further research and verification would be necessary before this could be used as a definitive basis for calculation.