Written question asked by Baroness Hughes of Stretford (Labour) on Tuesday, 30 June 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 3 July 1998. It was answered by Lord Bradley (Labour) on Friday, 3 July 1998 on behalf of the Department of Social Security.

Dept of Social Security

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, what research she has evaluated on the relative financial positions of separated mothers and fathers.

Answer: Ms Beverley Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what research she has evaluated on the relative financial positions of separated mothers and fathers. [48829] Mr. Keith Bradley: Recent research by Dr. Jarvis and Dr. Jenkins of the University of Essex quoted in "Real Choices--A Manifesto for Lone Parents and their Children" indicates that the median net income of mothers dropped on average by 15 per cent. in the year following separation--before allowing for any maintenance payments--while fathers' net income rose by an average of 15 per cent.

Secondary information