HC Deb 19 February 1998 vol 306 c850W
Mr. Öpik

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to amend the law relating to the rights of access to their children of violent and abusive parents; and if he will make a statement. [29700]

Mr. Hoon

When the courts determine an application for contact, under section 8 of the Children Act 1989, they must treat the child's welfare as their paramount consideration. Among the specific factors they have to consider isany harm which" the child "has suffered or is at risk of suffering".

There are no plans to amend the legislation.