asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Statement by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, James Plaskitt, on 22 January (Official Report, col. 48–9 WS) under what legal authority the sum of £1,012,000 is being provided to the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission, prior to the Child Maintenance and Other Payments Bill receiving Royal Assent. [HL1575]

The advance of £1,012,000 to the Department for Work and Pensions is made under the legal authority of the Contingencies Fund Act 1974.