HC Deb 17 July 1997 vol 298 c242W
Mr. McWalter

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will make it her policy to abolish the Child Support Agency. [9020]

Mr. Bradley

Children are entitled to the support of both parents wherever they live. The receipt of regular maintenance is a key part of our programme for helping lone parents into work and we are determined to ensure that all absent parents honour their responsibilities to their children. We intend to look closely at all aspects of the Child Support Agency to ensure that it provides an efficient and effective service. Our key objectives for the Agency during the coming year are to sort out cases faster, tackle the backlog of cases and pursue fathers who avoid paying.