HC Deb 28 October 1996 vol 284 cc41-2W
Mr. Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the modus operandi of the list held in his Department of individuals deemed unsuitable to work with children; which other agencies have the right to consult that list in their vetting procedures; how frequently the list has been consulted in each of the last five years; and what consultations he has undertaken recently to extend its coverage and use. [779]

Mr. Burns

The operation of the consultancy service index, which is the list to which the hon. Member refers, is described in annexe C to circular LAC 93(17), copies of which have been placed in the Library. The service is currently subject to review and consultations have taken place with the Home Office, Department for Education and Employment and other interested bodies.

Approximately 55,000 checks against the index are made each year.