HL Deb 30 January 2003 vol 643 cc178-9WA
Lord Hoyle

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will appoint a co-ordinator whose responsibility would be to promote children's interests across government departments. [HL1018]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Education and Skills (Baroness Ashton of Upholland)

I agree with the noble Lord that the interests of children need to be promoted across government. This is why the Children and Young People's Unit (CYPU) was set up, with a remit to ensure that issues concerning children and young people are represented and taken into consideration in government policy and to influence policy in the interest of children and young people. This role is further endorsed by the 2002 Spending Review settlement.

Children's interests are also co-ordinated and promoted through the Minister for Young People and the Cabinet Committee on Children and Young People's Services, which comprises Secretaries of State from 11 government departments with a key interest in policies and services for children and young people. The Government are currently exploring the pros and cons of establishing a children's commissioner.