Clause 25
Child Maintenance and Other Payments Bill
2:40 pm
Danny Alexander (Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Work & Pensions; Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey, Liberal Democrat)
As I said, the amendment would probe the difference between the various enforcement powers in this and later clauses in relation to the level to which CMEC must go to implement its powers.
Clause 25, on the disqualification for holding or obtaining travel authorisation—for example, a passport—relates to an administrative power. However, a later clause about driving licences requires CMEC to apply to the court for an order. The amendment would insert the requirement for an application to be made to a court for an order in the case of a passport. Why have the Government not been consistent on whether sanctions can be pursued administratively by CMEC or whether a court order should be sought in all cases? Given that these are all powers that relate to enforcement procedures, at least an explanation of why the different levels of sanction, or approval, must be sought before these powers can be implemented is warranted. I will be interested to hear the Minister’s response.