19. To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the take-up levels are of child tax credits and child benefit. (142582)

The latest figures show that in 2004-05 take up of the child tax credit was 82 per cent. with over 90 per cent. of the money available being claimed, higher than any previous system of income-related financial support for in-work families. Precise figures are not available for child benefit, but it is estimated that approximately 98 per cent. of eligible families claim child benefit.