Written question asked by Steve Webb (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 25 November 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 28 November 2002. It was answered by Malcolm Wicks (Labour) on Thursday, 28 November 2002 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Dept for Work and Pensions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if the Department has drafted a letter for child benefit claimants regarding the legal obligation to ensure their children attend school; and if he will make a statement. - Inc ref to leaflet from the Dept for Education and Skills on education matters in Library (Dep 02/2377).

Answer: Mr. Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if the Department has drafted a letter for Child Benefit claimants regarding the legal obligation to ensure their children attend school; and if he will make a statement. [83950] Malcolm Wicks: The letter to parents notifying them of their rate of Child Benefit from April 2003 will be accompanied in England by a leaflet from the Department for Education and Skills on education matters. The leaflet includes a message on parents' responsibilities in ensuring that their children attend school. The letters will be issued from early December. A copy of the leaflet will be placed in the Library.

Secondary information