§ 2. Ann ClwydWhat actions he will take to develop a child care strategy following the Utting report. [17471]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Win Griffiths)In addition to work already under way involving the Adrianne Jones report, the Welsh Office and the Department of Health will be developing a full programme of policy and management changes in the context of a strategy for residential child care to ensure that children living away from home are properly safeguarded. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health set out the Government's initial response to Sir William Utting's report in a statement to the House on 19 November. That outlined the action that is already under way and announced our intention to consult widely and establish a ministerial task force that will prepare a full Government response.
§ Ann ClwydI am glad to hear that news from my hon. Friend, especially after 18 years of inaction by the previous Government on this issue. There were 12 internal inquiries in one county alone, yet no action was taken by the Welsh Office, so I am pleased to hear that such vigorous action is being taken now. Many of my constituents who were abused in north Wales have given evidence to the inquiry. The alleged abusers have been kept anonymous within the inquiry. Can my hon. Friend give an assurance that none of those people who have been named at the inquiry but whose names the public do not yet know are currently working with either children or young people?
§ Mr.GriffithsAs far as I know, that is the case, but I shall double check given the real concern expressed by my hon. Friend about that issue. I assure her that, even while the inquiry is going on, we are looking very carefully at all aspects of children's services. We realise that this is a serious and important problem, which has been left to lie unattended for far too long.