Conduct Of The Minister Of State For Social Security

EDM number 938 in 1993-94, proposed by John Cummings on 23/03/1994.

That this House notes that the Answer given by the Minister of State for Social Security, the Right honourable Member for Chelsea, to the honourable Member for Easington seeking the number of appeals that have been lodged with the Child Support Agency, Falkirk, against assessments of parental contributions since October 1993, the number of appeals which have been heard, how many have been successful and what is the average time in having an appeal determined, states that the question cannot be answered as the information is not readily available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost is an abrogation of duty by the Minister of State; further notes that severe hardship is being caused owing to the backlog of appeals at a time when several suicides have been committed owing to the draconian measures adopted by the Child Support Agency; believes that the answer given is an insult to the House and brings Parliament into contempt; and calls upon the Minister to resign forthwith.

This motion has been signed by a total of 38 MPs.