§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how local authorities should fund the work of area child protection committees.
§ Mr. BowisLocal authorities should allocate funds to Area Child Protection Committees in accordance with the guidance contained in "Working Together under the Children Act 1989". Copies of the guidance are available in the Library.
§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if young people accommodated under section 20(3) of the Children Act 1989 are entitled to housing benefit.
§ Mr. BowisMatters relating to entitlement to housing benefit are for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security.
§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will issue guidance to advise local authorities as to the membership of area child protection committees following the changes to the health service.
§ Mr. Bowis"Working Together under the Children Act 1989", the Government guide to arrangements for 457W inter-agency co-operation for the protection of children from abuse, gives guidance on area child protection committees including membership.
Copies of the guide are available in the Library.
§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she is taking to monitor the effect of changes to the health service and education on inter-agency working in child protection.
§ Mr. BowisA multi-disciplinary group in the Department of Health has undertaken a study in a representative sample of district health authorities in England to examine the way in which child protection services are being contracted and provided in the light of the national health service reforms. The Department will consider the findings of this study and those of various research studies which will provide information on inter-agency working in child protection.