HC Deb 29 October 1993 vol 230 cc846-7W
Mr. Dunnachie

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will extend the right to apply for industrial injuries disablement benefit for those suffering from chronic bronchitis, emphysema or both to shipyard workers as well as miners; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Scott

The Industrial Injuries Advisory Council advises my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on the prescription of diseases for industrial injuries disablement benefit. I understand the council has not received the necessary scientific evidence to suggest that bronchitis and emphysema should be recommended for prescription in relation to shipyard workers.

Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many mothers on means-tested benefits have been financially penalised for not naming absent fathers since April 1993.

Mr. Burt

The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for Ros Hepplewhite, the chief executive. She will write to the hon. Member shortly and a copy will be placed in the Library.

Letter from Ros Hepplewhite to Mr. Jim Cunningham, dated 28 October 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 asking how many mothers on means tested benefits have been financially penalised for not naming the fathers since April 1993. To date, 22 Reduced Benefit Directions in respect of parents with care who have refused without good cause to co-operate with the Agency have been passed to the Benefits Agency to implement. The majority of these have not yet been implemented. 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.