Written question asked by Gwyneth Dunwoody (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 31 October 1996. It was answered by Andrew Mitchell (Conservative) on Thursday, 31 October 1996 on behalf of the Child Support Agency.

Dept of Social Security;Child Support Agency

Question: What consultations he undertook before giving permission for Post Office staff to open letters from people writing to the Child Support Agency. - Text of letter from Miss Ann Chant of Child Support Agency.

Answer: Mrs. Dunwoody: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what consultations he undertook before giving permission for Post Office staff to open letters from people writing to the Child Support Agency. [67] Mr. Mitchell: The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the chief executive, Miss Ann Chant. She will write to the hon. Member. Letter from Miss Ann Chant to Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody, dated 30 October 1996: I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security regarding consultations about the opening of Child Support Agency post. Following a feasibility study, the Agency decided to contract out its post opening requirements to the Royal Mail. The Agency ran a six month pilot exercise to test procedures and issues such as security and client confidentiality. Full consultations were undertaken with local and national Agency Trade Union representatives before this decision was taken; Agency staff and managers involved in post opening duties were also fully consulted. I hope this is helpful.

Secondary information