HC Deb 13 March 2000 vol 346 cc97-8W
Mr. Bob Russell

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will ensure that the courts have the right of access to names and addresses held by other Government Departments and agencies in order that those who default on compensation payments can be traced. [113729]

Jane Kennedy

Section 94 of the Access to Justice Act 1999 will allow the Lord Chancellor to designate by order any relevant public authority from which courts may request this information. Before such an order can be made, administrative arrangements need to be in place. The Benefits Agency is the public authority which is most likely to hold the names and addresses of defaulters so my officials have already commenced discussions with colleagues at the Department of Social Security with a view to establishing a workable and effective system as soon as possible. We will then consider which other public authorities would be most likely to be able to help.