To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform how many and what proportion of new fathers went on paternity leave in each year since the right to such leave was introduced. (260266)

Information on the take-up of paternity leave in each year is not available.

The most recent estimates of take-up of paternity leave are based on the maternity rights and mothers’ employment decisions in Britain: Survey of Mothers, conducted in 2007.

The survey found 94 per cent. of employed fathers surveyed took some time off around the time of the birth. Of the fathers who took time off, 81 per cent. were paid for at least some of the time.

The Government estimate that around 400,000 fathers are eligible for the entitlement.

The survey is available in the House Libraries and at:

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd5/rrs-index.asp