To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people in (a) the North East and (b) Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland are eligible for child benefit; and how many are lone parents in each case. (134767)

Figures showing the number of families receiving child benefit (CB) at regional and parliamentary constituency level for the UK are published on the HMRC website:

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/child_benefit/geographical.htm

Figures showing the number of families eligible to claim CB are not available at these levels of geography.

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.