Average number of albums owned by British music fans revealed

The average number of music albums owned by each man in the UK is 292, while the average amount owned by each woman is 221, the results of a new survey suggest.

The survey, for which 3,000 British people were quizzed on their music-buying habits by Comparedownload.com, also found that men spent more money on music than women.

According to the results, men spend an average of £12,480 on music in their lifetime. Women surveyed were estimated to spend £9,120.

42 per cent of men questioned admitted to illegal downloading, compared to 29 per cent of women. One in four men said over half of their music collection was comprised of illegal downloads.

The results come as a debate between musicians, the Government and fans has flared up in the UK about illegal downloading. Business Secretary Lord Peter Mandelson has called for persistent file-sharers' internet connections to be temporarily cut off as a "last resort".

Radiohead's Ed O'Brien, Blur's Dave Rowntree and fellow members of the Features Artists Coalition have called for a 'three strikes' rule with connections weakened for persistent offenders.