To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans the Government have to include consideration of ways to encourage fathers’ involvement within the family in the cross-cutting review of support for children and young people being conducted as part of the 2007 comprehensive spending review. (82785)

Budget 2006 launched a policy review of children and young people to inform the 2007 Comprehensive Spending Review. Copies of the review's terms of reference have been placed in the House of Commons Library.

In “Support for parents: the best start for children”, published at the pre-Budget report, HM Treasury and the Department for Education and Skills recognised the contributions that mothers and fathers make and their potentially different needs for support as parents. As part of wider examination of the role of and support for parents in improving outcomes for children and young people, the review will consider the contribution of fathers and other male carers.