Family and Marriage Poll

• MORI interviewed a representative quota sample of 805 adults aged 18+.
• Interviews were carried out by telephone throughout Great Britain.
• Interviewing took place on 12-13 March 1999.
• Data are weighted to the known profile of Great Britain.
• Where percentages do not add up to exactly 100% this may be due to computer rounding, the exclusion of "don't knows" or to multiple answers.
• An asterisk (*) indicates a figure below one half of a percent.

I am going to read out a number of things that the Chancellor proposed in his budget earlier this week. I would like you to tell me whether or not you think he should or should not have done each of the following ...

Q1 Introduced a Children's Tax Credit to help families with children "who need it most"?

Q2 Abolished the married couple's tax allowance?

Q2a Increased the price of a packet of cigarettes by 17.5 pence?

Q2b Increased the pensioner's winter fuel allowance from 16320 to 163100 per year?

Q3 From what you know or have heard, would you say that the current tax and benefits system ...

Now turning to families ...

Q4 How close would you describe your family? Is it ...

Q5 Who do you turn to when most in need of help on a personal matter?

Q6 Thinking of your own circumstances, can you tell me which of the following lifestyles you would most prefer?

I am going to read out a number of statements people have made about marriage and relationships. Please tell me whether you agree or disagree with each statement ...

Q7 It should be made more difficult for people to get divorced?

Q8 Marriage should be forever?

Q9 Marriage is dead?

Q10 Gay couples form an important part of society?

I am going to read out a number of statements people have made about marriage and children. Please tell me whether or not you agree or disagree with each statement ...

Q11 Every woman has a right to have children whether or not she has a partner?

Q12 Women should not have a child unless in a permanent relationship?

Q13 It is wrong to have a child outside marriage?

Q14 If a single woman becomes pregnant, she and the father should get married?

Q15 If a woman becomes pregnant outside marriage, she has sole responsibility for the upbringing of the child?

Please tell me whether you agree or disagree with the following statements some people have made about bringing up children ...

Q16 Children from single parent families find it harder to get on in life?

Q17 Gay couples should be allowed to adopt children?

Q18 Women have the main responsibility for bringing up children?

Q19 If a single woman becomes pregnant, the father has a duty to pay maintenance and help to bring up the child?

I am going to read out some statements about Government policies towards the family. For each one please tell whether you agree or disagree ...

Q20 The Government should do more to help married people bringing up children?

Q21 The Government should do more to help single parents bring up children?

Q22 The Government should do more to ensure that gay relationships are accepted?

Q23 Finally, do you agree or disagree that the traditional family unit is in decline?

Q24 Why do you say that? Base: All agreeing that the traditional family unit is in decline (573)