§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress he has made with the proposal in the Cullen report for the screening of volunteers; and if he will make a statement. [11598]
§ Mr. MichaelThe recommendation for the vetting and supervision of adults working with children and young people, including paid workers and volunteers, is under consideration by the Government.
§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he has taken to introduce a legal obligation on individuals and organisations to have all their(a) existing and (b) new volunteers screened; and what estimate he has made of the average cost of that procedure. [11599]
§ Mr. MichaelThere is no legal requirement for individuals or organisations to screen existing or new volunteers. Depending on the level of check, the cost of such checks has been estimated at between £5 and £10. We are currently considering the implementation of part V of the Police Act 1997 and will honour an undertaking to consult voluntary organisations before reaching a decision.