§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security who will pay for deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) testing, on a denial of parenthood, in cases where the Child Support Agency applies to the court for such testing.
§ Mr. BurtAny parties who make an application to the courts for a declaration of parentage may request that DNA tests be taken, but there is no legal power for them or for the courts to require such tests. Where the Child Support Agency is the applicant it supplies conventional evidence to support its application and does not routinely invite or pay for DNA testing. However, the agency may pay for test fees at the express request of the courts, with the intention of seeking recovery of court costs awarded in its favour.