HC Deb 04 March 1968 vol 760 cc25-6
64 and 70. Dame Joan Vickers

asked the Minister of Social Security (1) in view of the fact that approximately £32 million is paid annually for deserted, separated and divorced wives by her Department, what action she is taking to enforce payments by the husbands concerned;

(2) how many prosecutions have been made by her Department in regard to obtaining arrears of maintenance for women in receipt of supplementary benefits; and what is the total sum of money repaid.

Mr. Pentland

Separated wives and divorced women receiving supplementary benefit are encouraged to obtain their own maintenance orders and enforcement of these orders lies with magistrates' clerks. The Supplementary Benefits Commission uses its powers under Section 23 of the Ministry of Social Security Act to obtain orders where a woman is unable or unwilling to pro ceed, and the Commission enforces such orders as appropriate. The courts consider arrears in conjunction with enforcement proceedings. Figures for recovery of arrears are not available: but in 1965 the total amount recovered by the National Assistance Board from liable persons was about £3 million. In that year the Board brought enforcement proceedings in 75 cases.

Dame Joan Vickers

Can the Ministry give more help with these enforcement orders? It is very difficult for women to have to go to the court time after time, find that the maintenance money has not been paid and then have to go to the Ministry for extra money and again go back to the courts. Could not more action be taken by the Ministry?

Mr. Pentland

These matters are very much in our minds. As the hon. Lady will know, a committee appointed by the Lord Chancellor and under the chairmanship of Mr. Justice Payne is currently considering the enforcement of judgment debts, including maintenance and affiliation orders. We hope to have its report before Easter, or shortly afterwards.

Mr. Hogg

Will the hon. Gentleman impress upon his colleagues the necessity of implementing at the earliest possible opportunity reports such as that which Mr. Justice Payne may produce, as many hon. Members are receiving constant complaints about the enforceability of these orders?

Mr. Pentland

As the right hon. and learned Gentleman will be aware, this report will receive every consideration by the Government.