HC Deb 20 November 2003 vol 413 c1465W
Mr. Wray

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) what duties the post of Children's Commissioner for England will entail; and when the work force planning unit will be created; [133126]

(2) what resources will be made available to the Children's Commissioner for England. [133133]

Margaret Hodge

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. The Green Paper indicates that the Commissioner should advise Government and engage with others, such as business and the media, whose decisions and actions affect children's lives. 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 responsibilities and resources of the Commissioner will be made available in the light of the consultation, which runs until 1 December.

Work is also progressing rapidly on establishing the new structures to be adopted within the Department for Education and Skills, including the children's work force unit, to ensure delivery of the Green Paper, and full details will be announced soon.