§ John ThursoTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what date he has set for(a) commencing and (b) completing the transfer of existing child support cases to the new scheme; and if he will make a statement. [115290]
§ Malcolm WicksNone. We have made clear that we shall only make a decision on this once we are sure that the new scheme is working well.
§ Mr. WebbTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate the number of non-resident parents who have had their driving licences removed by the courts since April 2001 as a result of the provisions introduced under the Child Support, Pensions and Social Security Act 2000. [112338]
§ Malcolm WicksThe administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive, Mr. Doug Smith. He will write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Doug Smith to Mr. Webb, dated 22 May 2003:
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in replying to your recent parliamentary question about the Child Support Agency promised a substantive reply from the Chief Executive.You ask if he will estimate the number of non-resident parents who have had their driving licences removed by the courts since April 2001 as a result of the provisions introduced under the Child Support Pensions and Social Security Act 2000.There have been four non-resident parents who have been disqualified from driving for failure to pay child support. The intention of the relevant legislation is however to use the existence of this power to encourage more parents to meet this responsibility without a court appearance. I believe that it is having this beneficial effect.