HC Deb 24 July 2002 vol 389 cc1545-6W
Mr. Andrew Turner

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what the latest anticipated date is by which the computer system to support delivery of the new child support scheme will be completed and fully tested; and what the latest anticipated dates are for (a) new clients and (b) existing clients to be assessed under the new scheme; [72774]

(2) if he will make a statement on the reasons for the delay in introducing the new child support scheme. [72775]

Malcolm Wicks

I refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the former Secretary of State (Mr. Darling) 20 March 2002,Official Report, columns 315–324.

Testing of the new IT system continues, but no firm date for completion of those tests has yet been agreed. Accordingly, no date for the commencement of the new scheme, either for new or existing clients has been set.

Mr. Luke

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when the arrangements for the new child support scheme will come into effect. [73637]

Mr. Malcolm Wicks

The then Secretary of State's Statement to the House on 20 March 2002 made clear that this Government is not willing to take the risk of introducing the new child support scheme until we are confident that it will work properly.

Testing of the new IT system continues, but no firm date for completion of those tests has yet been agreed. Accordingly, no date for the commencement of the new scheme has been set.