To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the annual cost of introducing a maintenance disregard for lone parents on income support of (i) £10, (ii) £15, (iii) £20; and how many lone parents would receive maintenance in each case. [7180]

It is estimated that by 1998–99 the annual cost of a £10 maintenance disregard would be around £110 million; the cost of a £15 disregard would be around £140 million; and the cost of a £20 disregard would be around £170 million. Actual costs would depend on the exact level and pattern of compliance among absent parents. It is estimated that around 300,000 lone parents on income support will be in receipt of maintenance by 1998–99. In the long run, as the number of lone parents with a child support maintenance assessment increases, the annual cost of maintenance disregard is likely to double.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the annual cost of disregarding child care costs for lone parents on income support. [7182]

The information requested is not available.