Written question asked by Teddy Taylor (Conservative) on Thursday, 6 November 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 November 2003. It was answered by Baroness Hodge of Barking (Labour) on Thursday, 20 November 2003 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Dept for Education and Skills

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, if he will make a statement on the implications of the transfer of responsibility for the Child Benefit Office to the Inland Revenue, with particular reference to whether the office's ability to assist local councils with information in connection with child protection enquiries. - (Holding answer 10 November 2003).

Answer: Sir Teddy Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement on the implications of the transfer of responsibility for the Child Benefit Office to the Inland Revenue, with particular reference to whether the office's ability to assist local councils with information in connection with child protection inquiries. [137769] Margaret Hodge: [holding answer 10 November 2003]: I understand that some difficulties have arisen in this context in a particular case, and that the organisations concerned are prevented from following established practices with regard to information-sharing. My officials are looking into the case urgently, with the aim of finding a rapid solution that will enable the organisations to continue to share information in the same way that they have previously done.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 137769; 413 c1464W;413 c1460W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Children Disclosure of information Child benefit Cooperation Inland Revenue Local government Protection
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk