§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions there have been in the United Kingdom for sexual offences committed against children by United Kingdom nationals in countries overseas in the past three years; and if he will make a statement. [64120]
§ Mr. BoatengPart II of the Sex Offenders Act 1997 provides the courts with jurisdiction to deal in this country with British citizens who commit certain sexual offences744W against children abroad. This Act came into effect in September last year. There have been no prosecutions under the Act. However, it was always expected that the Act would be used only as a last resort where a country will not prosecute an alleged offender or where the United Kingdom cannot extradite that person. Prosecutions under Part II of the Act will always be difficult because of the problems of obtaining evidence from abroad to present to a court in this country in relation to offences committed abroad.
The Government are committed to dealing with the evil of the commercial sexual exploitation of children. This 745W requires more than having appropriate legislation in place. As part of the Government's comprehensive strategy, the United Kingdom is fully participating in international action to deal with the problem and has shared intelligence and expertise and the training skills of our police with other Governments. These measures demonstrate our commitment to tackling this problem seriously.
Minister Date Destination Reason for official visit Home Secretary 3 September 1997 Aylesbury Official visit to Thames Valley Police 6 January 1998 Aylesbury Her Majesty's Prison, Grendon Mr. Alun Michael 5 June 1998 Aylesbury Visit to Thames Valley Police Restorative Conference 5 October 1998 Aylesbury National Crime Beat Awards Mrs. Joyce Quin 14 January 1998 Aylesbury Her Majesty's Prison, Grendon