§ Lord Eamesasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether in the light of widespread public concern they have considered the establishment of a Royal Commission to consider the effects and consequences of paedophilia.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Baroness Cumberlege)The Government are committed to doing all they can to combat the problem of paedophilia. We have introduced a number of important legislative measures this session to strengthen the protection of the public, and in particular children, against sex offenders. A review by Sir William Utting is also under way, looking at the adequacy of existing safeguards for children looked after away from home. We do not consider that a Royal Commission would add significantly to these initiatives.