§ Mr. StinchcombeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if legislation is planned to develop those children's rights provided for by the Children Act 1989. [24336]
§ Mr. BoatengWe have no plans to legislate for the development of any children's rights provided for by the Children Act 1989. Development is a continuing process, often achieved by the dissemination of good practice and policies between local authorities and other organisations providing services to children.
§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what consideration his Department is giving to the establishment of a children's commissioner for the United Kingdom. [27637]
§ Mr. BoatengWe have no plans to establish an office of Children's Rights Commissioner. During 1998 the Government will be preparing the Second United Kingdom Report to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child in accordance with the requirements of Article 44 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989. We will take into account possible advantages of such an Office and seek progress in other countries where such an Office has been established.