The ongoing efforts of the French to boost their population were given new vigour this week when their prime minister announced plans to offer cash bonuses to couples having their third child.

'The family has changed,' said Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin, himself a father of three. 'But it remains at the very heart of French society. It is a source of joy, of comfort, and a haven for its members. That is why we are announcing measures to help families in their everyday lives.'

Among a raft of financial and social incentives announced by the French government are extra tax credits for childcare, 15,000 new creche places and, crucially, a parental leave allowance of 750 euros (£509) a month for one year for women taking time off to have their third child.

France already has the second highest fertility rate in Western Europe of 1.9. It's aiming to reach 2.1 which is the 'replacement rate'. That's the rate that France needs to replace its population and ensure that there will be enough people working and earning to support the retired section of the population.

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