§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to require the notification of education and health authorities throughout the United Kingdom of persons convicted of offence:; against children and young persons and to ensure that all persons seeking employment involving contact with children and young persons are screened through a centrally held register of convicted persons.
§ Mr. MacleanWe are currently reviewing the arrangements in England and Wales for the protection of children and young people through criminal record checks—this review may be followed up by legislation—but checks are, of course, already available throughout the United Kingdom on those seeking to work in many areas of child care. Arrangements are in place for the police to inform employers involved in child care when an employee or volunteer receives a conviction or caution which could affect their suitability to work with children, and lists of individuals considered unsuitable to work with children are held centrally and can be consulted by employers.