§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many women have been asked to date to name an absent father at benefit offices in the Doncaster area; how many have demurred; how many have had their benefit deducted as a penalty; and if he will show in his answer from what benefit the deduction was made.
§ Mr. BurtThe administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for Ros Hepplewhite, the chief executive. She will write to the hon. Member.
Letter from R. Hepplewhite to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 30 November 1993:
I have been asked to reply to your Question to the Secretary of State asking how many women have been asked to name an absent father at benefit offices in the Doncaster area; how many have demurred; how many have had their benefit deducted as a penalty; and the benefit from which deductions were made.Between 5 April and 31 October 1993, 137 parents with care of children were interviewed in connection with their applications for child maintenance in the Doncaster area; 4 declined without good cause to co-operate with the Agency in arranging maintenance. As yet no Reduced Benefit Directions have been implemented in the area.