§ Mr. Nigel GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to ensure that people and their spouses running private facilities for children are vetted to record any criminal records.
§ Mr. LangRegional and islands authorities are responsible under the Nurseries and Child-Minders Regulation Act 1948 for registering child care establishments and childminders. Enhanced arrangements for vetting those who have substantial access to children were introduced in September 1989 and applicants for registration as private child care providers will be vetted for criminal convictions by the Scottish Criminal Records Office at the request of the regional or islands authority as registration authority. The authority also has discretion to request checks on other persons who may have substantial access to children.