§ Mr. MacleanTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what systems he has in place to ensure that policies being developed by his Department are subject to a crime impact(a) assessment and (b) audit and are not likely to lead to enhanced criminal opportunities. [72692]
§ Mr. Blunkett[holding answer 24 February 1999]Government Departments are co-operating on policy development and, therefore, I work closely with other Ministers on any likely implications for crime of new developments, as indicated by research.
As far as my Department is concerned, all our policies should support Home Office Aim 1, which is to reduce crime and fear of crime. Giving everyone the chance, through education, training and work to realise their full potential and thereby contributing to the building of an inclusive and fair society supports this aim. Our research programme monitors and evaluates the effects of new policy and other interventions.