To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people claimed child benefit in (a) Jarrow constituency, (b) South Tyneside, (c) the North East and (d) Great Britain in each year since 1999. (247497)

For estimates of the number of families who were claiming Child Benefit in the areas requested as at the end of August in each year from 1999 to 2002, I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him on 23 March 2005, Official Report, column 825W.

Corresponding estimates for each subsequent August from 2003 to 2006 are provided in the HMRC annual publication 'Child Benefit geographical statistics', available on the HMRC website at:

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/child_benefit_geographical.htm.

Figures for August 2007 are not yet available.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many fathers are in receipt of child benefit; and what proportion of the total number of recipients this represents. (248106)

Only limited information is available. The most recent estimate is that some 7 per cent. of those on receipt of child benefit are males.