§ Mr. Peter Bruinvelsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will consider issuing revised guidelines to ensure that proper references are taken from the police, probation service and any other interested parties prior to the employment of any social workers, child officers and child minders for children in care.
§ Mr. John PattenMy right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department has recently announced his intention to review the arrangements for the disclosure of information to prospective employers about 63W any relevant criminal background of persons seeking to work with children. Pending the outcome of that review we propose to remind local authorities and voluntary organisations of the need to satisfy themselves about the suitability of persons appointed to work in the child care field and of the consultancy service which the Department provides to assist them in this matter.