§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what co-ordination of research into child sexual abuse takes place between his Department and the Royal Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RifkindThe Scottish Office makes a substantial contribution to the cost of the society's Overnewton centre in Glasgow, which is carrying out a major project in developing methods of dealing with child victims of sexual76W abuse within the context of their families and joint treatment of perpetrators. We are also providing grant support to the society to undertake a project designed to improve public awareness of child abuse, both physical and sexual, and the need to take measures to combat it.
As part of our new strategy for social work research we recently sent to interested research contractors a project specification on child sexual abuse. I am arranging to send a copy to the society.
§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many times officials of his Department have given evidence to inquiries involving child sexual abuse since 1979; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RifkindNone.