To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 21 June 2007, Official Report, columns 2141-43W, on families, what research he has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the creation of financial instruments to enable expenditure to be made on early intervention funded by the later savings to be made from having done so; and if he will make a statement. (152966)

The Chancellor has not commissioned or evaluated any specific research into the creation of financial instruments to enable expenditure in this area. However, to inform the comprehensive spending review, the Joint HM Treasury-DCSF review “Aiming high for children: supporting families”, part of the Children and Young People review, was published in March 2007. It set out the Government's strategy for building resilience, support for those who need it most, and early intervention. The review committed the Government to increased resources for Sure Start, parenting support, and other early intervention measures.