§ Mr. Maddenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what instructions are followed by local offices of his Department in respect of persuading women claimants, who are separated or divorced to seek maintenance orders against their husbands.
§ Mr. DeakinsThe instructions emphasise that there is no question of such women being persuaded to seek an order. In any case where there is a liability to maintain under the Supplementary Benefit Act 1966 and the man is able but unwilling to discharge it, the various possibilities are simply explained to the woman so that she can make a free and informed choice as to whether or not to take her own proceedings. It is made plain to her that, whatever her decision may be, the Supplementary Benefits Commission will ensure that she continues to receive the full amount of supplementary benefit to which she is entitled. To avoid the possibility of misunderstanding, she is also given an explanatory leaflet.
If she decides against taking her own proceedings, the commission then con- 68W siders the use of its own powers for enforcing the man's liability to maintain.