Written question asked by Baroness Kramer (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 6 October 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 9 October 2006. It was answered by Baroness Hughes of Stretford (Labour) on Monday, 9 October 2006 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Alcohol Misuse

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what estimate he has made of the number of children living with parents who misuse alcohol; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Recent Turning Point research suggests that up to 1.3 million children in the UK live with parents who misuse alcohol.The Government fully acknowledges that parental alcohol misuse can have serious consequences for children and young people. The Government are addressing parental alcohol misuse and the harm it causes through action by local children’s services within the ““Every Child Matters”” programme.The Children Act 2004 places on Directors of Children’s Services responsibility to protect children and young people from significant harm, including from alcohol misusing parents.The Government also encourages sensible drinking by adults through unit labelling and health messages.

Secondary information