§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what are the latest estimated figures of her Department for the numbers of children involved in child prostitution;
(2) what measures are being taken by her Department to deal with the problems of child prostitution.
§ Mr. BowisMy Department does not have central figures to estimate the numbers of children involved in child prostitution. I understand that my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department collects figures on the number of children cautioned or proceeded against for soliciting offences.578W Local authorities social services have a duty under section 47 of the Children Act 1989 to investigate where they have reasonable cause to suspect that a child in their area is suffering from or is likely to suffer significant harm and this would include information received suggesting a child may need protection from child prostitution. The Government's guidance, "Working Together", emphasises that the investigative process should involve gathering information from other key professionals and liaising with other investigating agencies such as the police. Any action taken to protect the child should be taken in collaboration with all the other agencies involved.