To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the most recent estimate of the number of families in receipt of (a) income support, (b) family credit and (c) one-parent benefit in Wales.

The administration of income support, family credit and one parent benefit is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member with such information as is available and copies will be placed in the Library and the Public Information Office.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the estimated take-up of family credit each year since it was introduced.

The latest information about the number of families taking up family credit is for the end of April 1991 when the caseload was 340,000. This compares with 314,000 at the end of April 1990, and 285,000 at the end of April 1989. However, no further information regarding percentage take up is available beyond that given in my reply to the hon. Member on 27 February at columns 542–43.