HC Deb 12 January 1998 vol 304 cc63-4W
Mr. Clappison

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if the scope of the work of the Ministerial Group on the Family includes measures to strengthen the institution of marriage; [22713]

(2) what is the definition of family which is being used by the Ministerial Group on the Family. [22710]

Mr. Michael

The Government have a manifesto commitment to strengthen family life. The Ministerial Group is interpreting this remit widely and is not focusing on particular family structures.

Mr. Clappison

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish(a) the agenda for, (b) the minutes of and (c) a list of those attending the Ministerial Group on the Family. [22711]

Mr. Michael

The group comprisesMy right hon. Friend the Home Secretary (Chair) and me together with: my noble and learned Friend the Solicitor General; my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury; my hon. Friend the Minister for Public Health; my hon. Friend the Minister without Portfolio; my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Education and Employment (Mr. Howarth); my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department of Trade and Industry (Ms Roche); my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary at the Lord Chancellor's Department; my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department of Social Security (Ms Ruddock); and the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department of the Environment. Transport and the Regions (Mr. Raynsford).

There are no plans to publish the agenda or notes of the meetings.

Mr. Clappison

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he plans to hold any meetings of the Ministerial Group on the Family in public. [22712]

Mr. Michael

No.

Mr. Clappison

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he proposes that the Ministerial Group on the Family should produce a report. [22716]

Mr. Michael

The Ministerial Group is intended to make a positive contribution to policy-making as it affects the family.

One report, on a seminar organised on behalf of the Group and entitled "Promoting Successful Parenting", is already available free from the Home Office Special Conference Unit. I have arranged for a copy to be placed in the Library.