§ Mrs. Wiseasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether the children of a divorced man are still regarded as his dependants or partial dependants for supplementary benefit purposes if he is still contributing to their maintenance; and whether the situation is altered according to whether or not the contribution is made under a court order.
§ Mr. DeakinsFor supplementary benefit purposes a divorced man is liable equally with his former wife for the maintenance of their children. However, when considering a claim for supplementary benefit the children are treated as dependants of the parent with whom they are living at the time of the claim. This is so even if the father is contributing to their maintenance whether under a court order or otherwise. If there is any particular case which my hon. Friend has in mind, I shall be glad to look at it.