§ Mr. Frank FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will instruct the Child Support Agency to collect data on the numbers of parents who use the agency on a voluntary as well as a compulsory basis.
§ Mr. BurtI am informed by Mrs. Ros Hepplewhite, the agency's chief executive, that the agency already collects data on the number of applications received from parents who are not in receipt of benefit and who choose whether they wish to use the agency's services.
As the agency has, however, been operational for only three months reliable figures are not yet available for publication.
§ Mr. Gareth WardellTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security in how many cases, in the last 12 months the Child Support Agency has been involved with the use of DNA genetic fingerprinting methods to establish the paternity of a child during the pursuance of a maintenance claim; and if he will separately distinguish England and Wales.
§ Mr. BurtThe administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for Mrs. Ros Hepplewhite, the chief executive. She will write to the hon. Member and a copy will be placed in the Library.
Letter from Mrs. R. Hepplewhite to Mr. Gareth Wardell, dated 12 July 1993:
As Chief Executive of the Child Support Agency it is my responsibility to answer questions about relevant operational matters. I am therefore replying to your recent Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about the number of cases in the last 12 months in which the Agency has been involved with the use of DNA genetic fingerprinting in order to establish paternity.
The Agency is not directly involved in the process of DNA testing but may in disputed cases apply to the courts for a declaration of paternity. In such cases the Agency supplies conventional evidence in support of its application and the question of DNA testing will not normally arise except at the suggestion of the court and with the agreement of all parties. Where the Agency meets the cost of those fees it will seek recovery from any court costs awarded in its favour.
Figures for the period 1 April 1992–31 March 1993 are not yet available, but in the year ending March 1992, DNA testing was an issue in less than 1 per cent. of the 1,000 cases in which the Department made application to the courts for a declaration of paternity. I am afraid that I do not have a breakdown of figures between England and Wales.
I hope you will find this reply helpful. A copy will appear in the Official Report and a copy will also he placed in the Library.
§ Mr. Gareth WardellTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what is the maximum number of 481W assessments which the Child Support Agency can carry out on an individual in any year for which a fee of £44 is charged;
(2) what has been the total income of the Child Support Agency from assessment fees collected since its establishment.
§ Mr. BurtThe administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for Mrs. Ros Hepplewhite, the chief executive. She will write to the hon. Member and a copy will be placed in the Library.
Letter from Mrs. R. Hepplewhite to Mr. Gareth Wardell, dated 12 July 1993:
As Chief Executive of the Child Support Agency it is my responsibility to answer questions about relevant operational matters. I am therefore replying to your recent Parliamentary Questions to the Secretary of State for Social Security about the income collected by the Agency in assessment fees and the number of maintenance assessments provided for the sum of £44.
The Agency has to date collected a total of £13,000 in fees, but figures are not yet available as to fees charged for assessment and fees charged for collection.
The annual assessment fee is payable on the date the first maintenance application is made, and at yearly intervals thereafter. There is no restriction placed on the number of assessments carried out in any given year and no additional sum will be levied over the annual fee.
I hope you will find this reply helpful. A copy will appear in the Official Report and a copy will also be placed in the Library.