asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many children were adopted in each year since 1948 whose mothers were in the age groups (a) under 16 years, (b) 16 to 20 years, (c) 21 to 25 years, (d) 26 to 30 years, (e) 31 to 35 years, f) 36 to 40 years, and (g) over 40 years; and, in each case, what were the numbers of such children who were legitimate or illigitimate, or if he will give such information as is available concerning the age of mothers of children who are adopted.

I regret that this information is not available. The age of the mother of an adopted child is not recorded in the adoption register.