§ Mrs. Ann TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to review his policy that, in the 465W event of a doctor being instructed by a local authority to carry out the examination of a child for signs of sexual abuse, the doctor does not owe a duty of care to the child or parents; and if he will make a statement. [14724]
§ Mr. BowisIt is a matter of law, not policy, as set out in the judgment in the House of Lords in the case of M(A minor) and Another v. Newham London borough council that the doctor's duties in such cases are to the local authority by whom he is instructed.