Written question asked by Keith Vaz (Labour) on Thursday, 14 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 25 October 2004. It was answered by Baroness Hodge of Barking (Labour) on Monday, 25 October 2004 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, whether the Government is planning action to give separated fathers greater access to their children. - Inc ref to 'Parental Separation: Children's Needs and Parent's Responsibilities'.

Answer: Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether the Government are planning action to give separated fathers greater access to their children. [192634] Margaret Hodge: The Government believe that both parents should continue a meaningful relationship with their children after separation, so long as it is safe to do so. In July this year, the Government launched the Green Paper, "Parental Separation: Children's Needs and Parent's Responsibilities". The proposals in the Green Paper focus on what children need and how both parents can be better assisted to meet those needs when their relationship breaks down. The measures outlined in the Green Paper are intended to support mothers and fathers in minimising conflict and enabling them to reach agreements, leading to the best possible outcome for their children, preferably without recourse to the courts.

Secondary information