To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people are in receipt of child benefit; and how many are (a) single fathers and (b) single mothers. (119087)

There were 7.4 million recipients of child benefit (CB) in August 2006. Whether or not a CB recipient is currently a single parent or part of a couple is not recorded on the CB system as after 5 July 1998 it did not affect the level of award.