To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what the conception rate for women under 18 years living in (a) wards with a benefit claim rate of 25 per cent. or above and (b) wards in the 10 local authority districts with the lowest employment rates which have benefit claim rates between 20 and 25 per cent. was in each year since 1997. (216670)

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the Authority to reply.

Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated July 2008:

As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent question asking what the conception rate for women under 18 years living in (a) wards with a benefit claim rate of 25 per cent or above and (b) wards in the 10 local authority districts with the lowest employment rates which have benefit claim rates between 20 and 25 per cent was in each year since 1997. (216670)

Conception rates by ward are not available.

I am sorry I cannot be more helpful on this occasion.