HC Deb 21 April 1994 vol 241 cc617-8W
Mr. Dewar

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many staff are presently employed by the Child Support Agency.

Mr. Hague

The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for Ros Hepplewhite, the chief executive. She will write to the hon. Member.

Letter from Ros Hepplewhite to Mr. Donald Dewar, dated 20 April 1994: I am replying to your recent Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about the number of staff currently employed by the Child Support Agency. At 31 March 1994, the Agency had 5,200 staff in post in Great Britain. You may also wish to know that at the same date there were also 626 Northern Ireland civil servants based in Belfast engaged in work relating to parents with care who live in mainland Britain. I hope this reply is helpful.

Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will place in the Library copies of all internal bulletins relating to the Child Support Agency.

Mr. Hague

The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for Ros Hepplewhite, the chief executive. She will write to the hon. Member.

Letter from Ros Hepplewhite to Mr. David Blunkett, dated 20 April 1994: I am replying to your recent Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about the placing of internal Child Support Agency bulletins in the Library of the House. Operational guidance for Agency staff is contained in the Child Support Manual, copies of which are already available in the Library. Relevant internal operational bulletins are incorporated as amendments to the Manual. I hope this reply is helpful.

Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what guidance has been issued with regard to permanent maintenance orders in relation to deduction of earnings through the Child Support Agency; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what guidance he has given on the use of deduction from earnings orders in relation to interim maintenance orders through the Child Support Agency; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Hague

The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for Ros Hepplewhite, the chief executive. She will write to the hon. Member.

Letter from Ros Hepplewhite to Mr. David Blunkett, dated 20 April 1994: I am replying to your recent Parliamentary Questions to the Secretary of State for Social Security about the guidance issued by the Child Support Agency on the implementation of deduction from earnings orders. The imposition of a deduction from earnings order is a discretionary decision made by a Child Support Officer having considered the needs of the parent with care, and the children involved and any representations made by the absent parent. Instructions to staff in relation to deduction from earnings orders are contained in the Child Support Manual. The Child Support (Collection of Enforcement) Regulations were amended in February specifically in relation to deduction from earnings orders on interim maintenance assessments. Detailed guidance for staff on deductions from earnings orders in such cases is in the course of preparation and will be incorporated in the Child Support Manual. A copy of the Child Support Manual is available in the Library. I hope this reply is helpful.