HC Deb 10 February 1994 vol 237 cc395-6W
Mr. Renton

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the average time that it takes the Child Support Agency to answer letters from hon. Members; and if he will issue instructions that this time should be at least halved.

Mr. Burt

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

Letter from Ros Hepplewhite to Mr. Tim Renton, dated 10 February 1994:

I have been asked to reply to your Question to the Secretary of State about the time it takes the Agency to respond to letters from honourable Members.

All letters from Members of Parliament addressed to me are acknowledged and I aim to respond within an average of 20 working days. Press interest has stimulated a great deal of correspondence from constituents and although that target is not being met at the moment, the necessary steps are being taken to ensure that correspondence from Members will be answered as promptly as possible.

I hope you will find this reply helpful.

Sir Dudley Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when the hon. Member for Warwick and Leamington may expect a reply from the Child Support Agency to his detailed written representations on behalf of Mrs. Fiona Dennehy of Leamington Spa, made on 25 September 1993, 26 October 1993, 24 November 1993 and 5 January 1994.

Mr. Burt

I understand that Ros Hepplewhite, the chief executive of the Child Support Agency replied to my hon. Friend about this case on 8 February 1994.