HC Deb 27 November 2001 vol 375 cc825-6W
Mr. Edwards

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will explain the delay by the Child Support Agency in dealing with the case of Ms Elaine Lanchbury, a constituent. [12832]

Malcolm Wicks

The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive, Mr. Doug Smith. He will write to my hon. Friend.

Letter from Doug Smith to Mr. Huw Edwards, dated 26 November 2001: I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions about your constituent Mrs. Elaine Lanchbury and the way the Child Support Agency has handled her case. As individual cases are a confidential matter, I have written to you separately.

Mr. Edwards

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement about the time taken to award contracts by the Child Support Agency for undertaking bailiff action. [12833]

Malcolm Wicks

The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive, Mr. Doug Smith. He will write to my hon. Friend.

Letter from Doug Smith to Mr. Huw Edwards, dated 26 November 2001: I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions asking if he will make a statement about the delay in awarding contracts by the Child Support Agency for undertaking bailiff action. Our previous contract came to an end on the 1 April 2001. I was determined that the new contract would facilitate better support for my staff in seeking to enforce payment of monies legally due. I was therefore anxious that the team responsible visited all the bailiffs that were successful at the tender stage. This led to a slight delay in the award of contracts. New contracts were awarded to three Bailiff Companies on the 1 May 2001. I hope this is helpful.