2 Welfare of children: the general principle.E+W+S
Where, in any case which falls to be dealt with under this Act, the [F1Secretary of State] F2... is considering the exercise of any discretionary power conferred by this Act, [F3the Secretary of State] shall have regard to the welfare of any child likely to be affected by [F4the] decision.
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 2 substituted (1.8.2012) by The Public Bodies (Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission: Abolition and Transfer of Functions) Order 2012 (S.I. 2012/2007), art. 1(2), Sch. para. 2(a)
F2Words in s. 2 repealed (1.6.1999) by Social Security Act 1998 (c. 14), s. 87(2), Sch. 7 para. 18, Sch. 8; S.I. 1999/1510, art. 2(f)(iii)(g)(iii)
F3Words in s. 2 substituted (1.8.2012) by The Public Bodies (Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission: Abolition and Transfer of Functions) Order 2012 (S.I. 2012/2007), art. 1(2), Sch. para. 2(b)
F4Word in s. 2 substituted (1.8.2012) by The Public Bodies (Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission: Abolition and Transfer of Functions) Order 2012 (S.I. 2012/2007), art. 1(2), Sch. para. 2(c)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1S. 2 amended (5.4.1993) by The Child Support (Northern Ireland Reciprocal Arrangements) Regulations 1993 (S.I. 1993/584), reg. 2(2), Sch.2