§ Mrs. ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the number of statements taken in each individual local authority inquiry into abuse of children looked after or in care since 1972. [36519]
§ Mrs. ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidelines he issues in respect of the procedure for joint investigations between local authority social services departments and police forces for investigating allegations regarding abuse against children receiving a service from social services departments. [36526]
§ Mr. BowisGuidelines for joint investigations of allegations of abuse against children are contained in "Working Together under the Children Act 1989", copies of which are available in the Library.
§ Mrs. ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the number and names of local authority inquiries into the sexual abuse of children looked after or in care since 1972; and which of these reports were made public. [36518]
§ Mrs. ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the procedure for area child protection committees dealing with internal investigations into abuse of children in receipt of services from local authority, voluntary and private organisations. [36529]
§ Mr. BowisIt is for each individual area child protection committee to devise its own procedures for investigating abuse of children. The procedures should be derived from and consistent with the guidance given in "Working Together under the Children Act 1989", copies of which are available in the Library. Internal investigations should include an independent element.