§ 28. Mr. Bob RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make it a requirement for both parents in disputed cases before the Child Support Agency to take a second independent test if either party requests it. [145987]
§ Angela EagleThe CSA can offer a DNA test to help resolve the issue of disputed parentage but it cannot force any parent to take a test. If either parent does not accept a test result, they may apply to the courts for a declaration of parentage.
From 31 January this year, the CSA will be allowed to make and enforce a maintenance assessment against the person named by the parent with care as the child's parent if that person refuses to take a DNA test. If the non-resident parent continues to dispute parentage, it is up to him to take the test, or to apply to the courts for a declaration of parentage which will be binding on the Agency.
§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he will complete his investigation into the complaint lodged by Ms Nancy Bath of Paignton, Devon against the Child Support Agency; and if he will make a statement concerning the reason for the delays in the Independent Case Examiner beginning an investigation into the complaint and the Plymouth CSA collating the papers required. [147299]
§ Angela EagleThe current clearance times for cases in the office of the Independent Case Examiner's office is 29 weeks in total. There are currently 227 cases awaiting investigation. Cases referred currently wait around 11 weeks on average for an investigation to begin.
86WThe information requested about Nancy Bath is confidential. My noble Friend the Baroness Hollis of Heigham will write to the hon. Member separately about the issues raised relating to Ms Bath's case.