HC Deb 28 November 1994 vol 250 cc523-4W
Mr. Kirkwood

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many absent parents have withdrawn from employment after receiving Child Support Agency assessments since the Child Support Agency began operations.

Mr. Burt

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Birmingham, Selly Oak (Dr. Jones), on 12 July 1994,Official Report, column 569.

Mr. Canavan

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to amend the legislation or regulations applying to the Child Support Agency; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Burt

The Government have been keeping the operation of the Child Support Act under close review for some time. We are now considering carefully the recent report of the Social Security Select Committee and will respond with proposals for change in due course.

Mr. Colvin

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the fifth report of the Social Security Select Committee of Session 1993–94 entitled "The Operation of the Child Support Act-Proposals for Change."

Mr. Burt

We are still evaluating the contents of the Select Committee's report, which was published on 26 October and we will respond in due course with proposals for change. No final decisions have yet been taken.

Mr. Clappison

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he intends to publish the accounts of the Child Support Agency.

Mr. Burt

The Child Support Agency has today published its accounts for 1993–94 and a copy has been placed in the Library.