Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Nicholas Winterton (Conservative). It was answered on Tuesday, 15 July 2008 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.

Court Fees (Child Protection)

Question: Does the Minister feel that the new court fees might be prejudicial to the interests and rights of natural parents? She knows of my interest in that matter in protection cases, but does she feel that the natural parents, whose position is of huge importance, might be prejudiced by the new fees?

Answer: No, I do not think that the position of the natural parent will be prejudiced by the new fees. The new fees are for local authorities; individual parents are, of course, protected financially in other ways. I accept the hon. Gentleman's point that it is important that parents are given a voice in the court system. I hope that the new public law outline will ensure that they are heard and that the wider family is also used and supported in the protection of young children.

Secondary information