§ Mr. OlnerTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security in what circumstances child benefit is continued after a child is abducted and taken out of the United Kingdom by one of its parents.
§ Mr. BurtThere is nothing in child benefit legislation relating specifically to child abduction cases. When a child and one parent leave the United Kingdom permanently child benefit normally ceases from the date of departure; after eight weeks if the absence is temporary. Exceptions are that child benefit might be payable to parent abroad with the child if the parent has gone to work in a European Community country, or a country with which the United Kingdom has a reciprocal social security agreement, and remains liable to pay United Kingdom national insurance contributions; also if they have gone abroad temporarily and remain liable to pay United Kingdom income tax.