§ 25 After Clause 6, Insert the following new Clause—
§ "Annual reports
§ (1) As soon as possible after the end of each financial year the Children's Commissioner must make a report on—
- (a) the way in which he has discharged his functions under this Part, other than functions of holding inquiries;
- (b) what he has found in the course of exercising those functions during the year; and
- (c) the matters he intends to consider or research in the next financial year.
§ (2) The Children's Commissioner must in particular under subsection (1)(a) include an account of the steps taken by him to involve in the discharge of the functions referred to in that provision the children in relation to whom those functions are exercised.
§ (3) Where the Children's Commissioner makes a report under this section—
- (a) he must send a copy to the Secretary of State; and
- (b) the Secretary of State must as soon as possible lay a copy before each House of Parliament.
§ (4) The Children's Commissioner must publish a report under this section as soon as possible after the Secretary of State has laid it before each House of Parliament.
§ (5) The Children's Commissioner must also, to the extent that he considers appropriate, publish any report made under this section in a version which is suitable for children.
§ (6) In this section, "financial year" has the same meaning as in paragraph 8 of Schedule 1."
§ Lord FilkinMy Lords, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 25.
Moved, That the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 25.—(Lord Filkin.)
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.