To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the number of youngsters between 16 years and 18 years of age whose parents claim child benefit for them in each year since 1981.

The information is not available in the precise form requested. The following information has been compiled from table G1.06, formerly table 30.36, of "Social Security Statistics". The table gives the estimated numbers of 16 to 18-year-olds for whom child benefit was in payment at 31 December in each year. This includes those in full-time non-advanced education and those who have left such education but for whom child benefit is still payable.