§ Dr. Godmanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in the light of the draft circular on child abuse issued by the Secretary of State for Social Services he has any plans to issue a circular in Scotland on the same subject; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John MacKayI have no plans to issue a similar draft in Scotland. Scottish local authorities have developed procedures for handling cases of child abuse in the light of earlier guidance. They are conscious of the need to maintain and improve standards and to ensure effective cooperation with health and other services, and I am not persuaded that further guidance from central Government is needed. The Scottish Education Department recently issued a report on social work issues in child abuse which has been widely welcomed, and officials will be discussing with local authorities whether any specific aspects need to be followed up and reviewed.