THOUGH the evidence of their own eyes will bear out the findings of the 2001 Census on the rise of the single-parent family in Lancashire, the sheer rate of the increase will surprise many.

The number of lone-parent households has almost doubled in the past decade to more than 31,000 in the area covered by the County Council.

The situation is, of course, a reflection of changing social attitudes over a somewhat longer period -- highlighted by a rising divorce rate, increasing eschewal of marriage and modern moral values.

The moral aspect is a matter for those who believe society is worsened by these changes. But the effects on welfare services and employment opportunities have also to be confronted. There are calls for firms to adopt family-friendly policies and for more after-school clubs and other child-care services to be set up to enable single parents to go out to work.

No doubt such practical steps will be needed to deal with the ever-rising level of single-parenthood. But is there another consequence of it yet to be fully realised -- that of a forthcoming adult society with a large percentage brought up by a single parent?

There is evidence that children of such households suffer in terms of opportunity and social behaviour and we must ensure we are not rearing a new and greater underclass for tomorrow.