§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to issue guidance to social services and NHS staff on procedures they should adopt in relation to the advice and support they should offer to people with learning difficulties within their care who have been a victim of a crime. [13383]
§ Mr. BoatengWe have no plans to do so at present. However, we will be considering what, if any, guidance should be issued in the light of a substantial programme of projects the Department of Health has funded on the182W issue of abuse of people with learning disabilities, a forthcoming consultation seminar on abuse of vulnerable adults in residential services and the work of the Home Office's inter-departmental group on vulnerable and intimidated witnesses. The group is seeking to identify measures that will help vulnerable people including people with learning disabilities who come in contact with the criminal justice system as a result of being a victim of, or a witness to, a crime.