HC Deb 16 July 2003 vol 409 cc427-8W
Mr. Tynan

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the policy of the Child Support Agency is in respect of making applications for reciprocal enforcement of maintenance orders against absent parents resident overseas; and how many such applications the CSA has made in each of the last five years. [125671]

Mr. Pond

The Department for Constitutional Affairs is responsible for administering reciprocal enforcement of maintenance orders for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Within Scotland, this function is performed by the Scottish Executive.

The Child Support Agency does not have jurisdiction over cases where the non-resident parent is habitually resident outside the UK, except if he or she is employed by a British-based employer.

Mr. Heald

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to his oral answer of 7 July 2003,Official Report, column 733, when he plans to make a further report on the performance of the Child Support Agency. [125365]

Mr. Andrew Smith

I stated on 7 July 2003 during oral questions,Official Report, column 733, that I would shortly report to the House on progress in implementation of the new child support scheme. I have today placed that report in the Library.