To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many men in Great Britain were entitled to paternity pay in each year since 2003-04; and what estimate he has made of future take-up rates. (104737)

We estimate that around 415,000 fathers are eligible for statutory paternity pay each year.

Evidence suggests take-up is high and we expect this to continue. The Maternity and Paternity Rights and Benefits Survey 2005 found around 80 per cent. of fathers surveyed had used at least some of their statutory entitlement.