asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether a circular has been sent to magistrates about the effect on maintenance allowances under paternity orders of the fact that children's allowances are now in force; and whether he will make a statement with respect to the policy governing the relation of children's allowances to such orders.

A circular on this subject was issued to clerks to justices on 31st July last, and I am having a copy placed in the Library.

As the Home Secretary appears anxious that this circular should be taken notice of and implemented, will he insist that this is done, because I have evidence that this has not been done?

If the hon. Member can put me in touch with the cases where it is alleged that the circular is not being followed, I will take action.