HC Deb 28 February 1996 vol 272 cc603-4W
Ms Lynne

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many of the DNA tests performed for the Child Support Agency have been(a) positive (b) negative. [14958]

Mr. Andrew Mitchell

The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the chief executive, Miss Ann Chant. She will write to the hon. Member.

Letter from Miss Ann Chant to Ms Liz Lynne, dated 27 February 1996:

I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about DNA testing under Child Support Agency arrangements.

The discounted DNA scheme was introduced in July 1995. This provided alleged absent parents with a means of resolving a paternity dispute without the need to go to court.

In the period July 1995 to 25 January 1996 the paternity of 500 children has been the subject of completed DNA tests. Positive results were obtained for 433 of the children (86.6%). The alleged absent parent tested was excluded from being the father in 67 instances. (13.4%).

I hope this is helpful.

Mr. Wicks

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the cost of DNA tests available via the CSA: and in how many cases DNA testing has been used before a paternity case has been referred to court. [12807]

Mr. Mitchell

[pursuant to his reply, 1 February 1996, c. 987–91]I am advised that Ann Chant, the chief executive of the Child Support Agency, is writing again to clarify her reply of 1 February. I am arranging for a copy of the letter to be placed in the Library with the additional information.

Letter from Miss Ann Chant to Mr. Malcolm Wicks, dated 27 February 1996:

I am writing to you pursuant to my letter of 1 February 1996. This was in response to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about DNA tests. I believe there is a need to clearly set out the make up of the 904 DNA tests I referred to.

Up to the end of November 1995 some 352 cases had been referred for discounted DNA testing. In addition 552 cases were subject to a DNA test as a result of Court direction.

A discounted DNA test comes about as a result of an alleged absent parent availing himself of the option to go for a DNA test either as a result of responding to a suggestion from the Agency or requesting a test himself. As before, I am not aware that any of these cases have been referred for Court action.

The only other means of a DNA test arising is as a result of Court direction. This would be after an initial Court hearing.

I hope this information is helpful.