Written question asked by Mike Weir (Scottish National Party) on Wednesday, 21 April 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 27 April 2004. It was answered by Chris Pond (Labour) on Tuesday, 27 April 2004 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Dept for Work and Pensions;Child Support Agency

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how much money due to clients of the Child Support Agency is held by the Agency owing to computer errors; and how much money has been held in each of the last six months in (a) the UK, (b) Scotland and (c) the Angus constituency. - Inc text of letter from Doug Smith of Child Support Agency. (Holding answer 26 April 2004).

Answer: Mr. Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much money due to clients of the Child Support Agency is held by the Agency owing to computer errors; and how much money has been held in each of the last six months in (a) the UK, (b) Scotland and (c) the Angus constituency. [168654] Mr. Pond: [holding answer 26 April 2004]: The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive, Mr. Doug Smith. He will write to the hon. Member with the information requested. Letter from Doug Smith to Mr. Michael Weir, dated 27 April 2004: In reply to your recent Parliamentary questions about the Child Support Agency the Secretary of State promised a substantive reply from the Chief Executive. You asked, how much money due to clients of the Child Support Agency is held by the Agency owing to computer errors; and how much money has been held in each of the last six months in (a) the UK, (b) Scotland and (c) the Angus constituency. I do not have the information that you seek. I can say that at 31 March 2004 we were holding a total of £368,341 representing monies received from the non-resident parent that had not yet been paid out to the parent with care. Some will reflect computer errors but a significant element will represent payments received that are awaiting clearance by our bankers.

Secondary information