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Child Maintenance and Other Payments Bill

The noble Lord, Lord Skelmersdale, asked the Minister the apposite question about the cost. It is true that the cost came down: it was over £200 million and fell to £180 million. I am not sure whether that is gross or net. It is important to know what the best modelling advice is because the figure for the totality of the cost and the savings is much more sellable to the Treasury than we would imagine. I would like to ensure that we can get the best handle on what figure is at stake, and that would be in the department’s interest as well. It is undoubtedly a big sum, but there would be a lot of benefit if it could be found. I am tempted to say that I shall withdraw the amendment only if the Minister promises to read Professor Alan Marsh’s paper The Disregard of Child Maintenance Payments. It is only 11 pages and will fit snugly in his ministerial box. I shall try to persuade him later. I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. [Amendments Nos. 79 and 80 not moved.] Clause 15 agreed to. [Amendment No. 81 not moved.]