§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions his Department has had with the Council of Europe on joint policies for the welfare and protectio of children. [85088]
§ Mr. HuttonOfficials from the Department contribute to the work of the Council of Europe on issues related to the welfare and protection of children, through the formal Committee structure of the Council of Europe. I am due to participate in a Council of Europe Conference of Ministers responsible for Family Affairs in Stockholm on 14–16 June, where the theme will be "Towards a Child-Friendly Society". In preparation for the Conference the United Kingdom has provided a National Report on "child-friendly" initiatives.