§ Ms ShipleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans he has to ensure that the findings of the Government's "Safety and Justice" consultation on domestic violence are included in the outcome of the "Every Child Matters" consultation process. [134911]
§ Margaret HodgeResponses to "Safety and Justice: The Government's Proposals on Domestic Violence" are currently being analysed and will be considered by Ministers shortly. I shall ask for details of those responses to "Safety and Justice" which have a bearing on our proposals for improving services to children and young people, as set out in the Green Paper "Every Child Matters", to be considered together with the responses received to that Green Paper.
§ Ms ShipleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether issues relating to domestic violence will be included in the remit of the proposed Commissioner for Children. [134998]
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§ Margaret Hodge[holding answer 28 October 2003]The Government set out in the Green Paper 'Every Child Matters' our intention to legislate for the appointment of a Children's Commissioner as a new voice for all children and young people, especially the disadvantaged. The Commissioner would ensure that the views of children and young people are heard, and report to Parliament through the Secretary of State for Education and Skills on progress against the outcomes for children set out in the Green Paper. Further details on the remit and responsibilities of the Commissioner will be made available in the light of the consultation which runs until 1 December.
§ Ms ShipleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how cross-departmental policy implementation on issues relating to children and domestic violence will be organised. [135007]
§ Margaret Hodge[holding answer 29 October 2003]Cross-departmental issues relating to domestic violence, including those affecting children and young people, are overseen by the Inter-Ministerial Group for Domestic Violence chaired by Baroness Scotland of Asthal. Baroness Ashton of Upholland represents the Department for Education and Skills on the Inter-Ministerial Group.
When necessary, issues relating to domestic violence and children and young people will be considered by the children, young people and family services Cabinet Committee MISC9 chaired by the Chancellor. The Secretary of State for Education and Skills has Cabinet-level responsibility for both policy and delivery of services for children and young people and is a member of MISC9. He is also chair of the Cabinet sub-Committee MISC9(D) which is responsible for ordinating the delivery of services to children, young people and families. I am a member of both MISC9 and MISC9(D).