HC Deb 26 January 1989 vol 145 cc671-2W
Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the research on child sexual abuse undertaken by his Department(a) since 1979, (b)

(2) what was the contribution made by Football League clubs towards the cost of policing football matches involving Football League teams in each of the last five football seasons;

(3) what was the total cost for policing football matches at the grounds of (a) Chelsea football club, (b) Leeds United football club, (c) Huddersfield Town football club, (d) Newcastle United football club, (e) Liverpool football club, (f) Oxford United football club, (g) Luton Town football club in each of the last five seasons; and what proportion of these costs was paid for by each club itself.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

I understand from the Commissioner that the payments made by football League clubs in London over the past five years are as follows:

currently underway, and (c) planned for the future together with the amount of money allocated in each instance; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Patten

The Home Office has conducted no major research studies specifically focusing on child sexual abuse. It has, however, published two short articles in the Home Office research and planning unit's research bulletin —copies of which are in the Library—which deal with various aspects of child abuse. These areChild Homicide and Child Physical and Sexual Abuse 1986, Research Bulletin No. 20. Child Molestation. A Research Note 1987, Research Bulletin No. 23.

The Home Office is funding a research project on the experiences of "Children as Victims of Crime". This study will shed light on experiences of sexual abuse as well as other types of crime. The grant made in respect of this project is £98,000. Moreover, a contract has recently been let to examine the effectiveness of live TV links for child witnesses in the Crown courts, including cases of child sexual abuse. The cost of this research is £45,000.

Planning of our programme of research for the financial year 1989–90 is under way. We are considering research needs in respect of child sexual abuse and discussions are being held with the Department of Health on this important topic.