§ Lord Jenkins of Putneyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What reduction there has been in the illegal employment of children estimated in 1996 as 1.5 million; which are the main fields of such employment; how does the UK position compare with that of other EU countries; and what steps are being taken to reduce it further here.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Baroness Cumberlege)Information on the numbers of children employed is not collected centrally, although various independent estimates have been made. Information on the situation in other European Union countries is not routinely collected. It is for local authorities to take such steps as they consider necessary to address any instances of illegal employment they may encounter.