§ Mr. Jonathan EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will publish the report of the Warner committee inquiry into the selection, development and management of staff in children's homes.
§ Mr. YeoWe are publishing the report "Choosing with Care" today. Copies have been placed in the Vote Office and the Library. We welcome the report and its thorough and constructive analysis of the issues identified by the inquiry. Although there are many caring and dedicated staff working in children's homes, the Government are concerned about the serious deficiencies and weaknesses of existing personnel procedures and practices. The report is clear that poor selection procedures can result in the appointment of some staff who are unsuited to the care of children. It makes vitally important recommendations for early improvements to employers selection and appointment procedures which the Government accept. We are therefore acting immediately to inform local authorities and employers in the voluntary and private sectors of the committee's findings, so that they can make changes that are required. It is essential, in the interests of children, that these recommendations are implemented. We will be consulting with local authorities about how we can ensure that this happens.
The report raises other important issues that the Department will be considering carefully in consultation with the relevant parties.