To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether copies of birth certificates are valid for parents registering for child tax credit and child benefit. (85721)

[holding answer 14 July 2006]: Child benefit office and tax credit office will accept copies of birth certificates only if the original has been seen and the copy certified as a true copy by two officers of HM Revenue and Customs, or the Department of Work and Pension or the Department for Social Development.