Miriam Briffa (December 31) does not seem to be aware of the implication of "Father not known". It has little to do with promiscuity. The reason so many mothers write "Not Known" is that it increases their social benefit.

It also makes it easier to get social housing. Often a mother has a further child by the same "unknown" father.

It is also the case in England that single girls become pregnant to get social housing. One northern city is reputed to have a tower block of apartments purely for such girls. I would suggest promiscuity has little to do with the problem. It is more a social one.

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