§ The Earl of Mar and Kellieasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they consider child protection in Scotland to be a subject suited to a Royal Commission.
§ Lord SewelChild protection is a matter which rightly arouses considerable public interest and concern but the Government do not believe that a Royal Commission is appropriate at this particular time. The law in relation to children has recently been greatly strengthened by the introduction of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995. The Act makes provision for a range of orders, each suited to particular circumstances, but all with the aim of protecting children. We will be monitoring the use which is made of these orders. Other measures, such as those provided for in the Sex Offenders Act 1997, have been introduced to improve child protection and the Kent report on arrangements for protecting children cared for away from home will be published shortly.