The Office for National Statistics (ONS) released figures last monthwhich showed that each woman in England and Wales gave birth on averageto 1.91 children in 2007. This compared with a low of 1.63 in 2001, anda peak of 2.93 children per woman in 1964.
Ms Margo said that the highest increase since 1973, when women gavebirth to an average of two children, could be attributed to a range ofmeasures to support families, including improved maternity and paternityleave, Sure Start and the introduction of tax credits.
She said that in the past the decision whether or not to have childrenand how many to have was often determined by the availability of supportfor families.
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