§ Mr. RendelTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many cases have been dealt with by the Newbury field office of the Child Support Agency since 1 June 1995; [31780]
(2) what geographical area is covered by the Newbury field office of the Child Support Agency. [31781]
§ Mr. Andrew MitchellThe administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the chief executive, Miss Ann Chant. She will write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Steve Hemingsley to Mr. David Rendel, dated 7 June 1996:
In the absence of Miss Chant, the Chief Executive, I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about the Child Support Agency field office in Newbury.Between 1 June 1995 and 31 May 1996, the Newbury office has dealt with 351 cases requiring pre maintenance assessment work. The geographic area covered by the office falls within the following post code areas: RG7, RG8, RG14, RG17, RG18, RG19 and RG20.I hope this is helpful.
§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what compensation his Department proposes to offer in respect of those who have been subject to breaches in the Data Protection Act 1984 by the Child Support Agency. [32001]
§ Mr. Andrew MitchellThe agency's compensation scheme includes recompense for identifiable losses or harm suffered as a result of maladministration. Such payments could be made, in appropriate cases, to those affected by breaches in the Data Protection Act 1994.
In addition, it is a criminal offence under the Child Support Act 1991 to disclose information without lawful authority. The Child Support Agency is fully aware of its responsibilities and takes very seriously any suggestion that staff may have disclosed information unlawfully.