HL Deb 14 December 1998 vol 595 cc123-4WA
Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What plans they have to implement Part V of the Police Act 1997 which provides for criminal record checks for employment vetting and other purposes. [HL313]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

In order to implement Part V of the Police Act 1997, we will set up the Criminal Records Bureau. The bureau will be established in Merseyside, under the management of the United Kingdom Passport Agency, which has a proven track record of discreet delivery of a large application driven service. Appropriate use will be made of public private partnerships to contain set up and running costs, but the core work of examining records and issuing certificates will be handled by civil servants within the bureau. Once established it will be self-financing through charging for each certificate to be issued, as provided for under the 1997 Act. All applicants for certificates will be required to pay a fee which, depending on the level of certificate sought, we estimate will cost between £5 and £10.

The Government's main objective in introducing these arrangements is to strengthen the safeguards for the protection of children. In line with this, and to ensure a smooth transition from the current arrangements for employment vetting checks of police records, the bureau will phase in the issue of the three types of certificate provided for under the Act. Top priority will be given to the issue of certificates for those seeking positions which involve regularly caring for, training, supervising or being in sole charge of persons aged under 18. The Government are no less concerned about the need for similar safeguards to protect vulnerable adults; extending these arrangements to this area will require careful consideration and consultation.

We estimate that it will take some two years to establish the bureau. In this time we intend to consult widely on all aspects of the bureau's operation to ensure that it meets the needs of the community.