§ Mrs. GoldingTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if the research sub-group of the Employment of Children Review working group has been set up; and what its terms of reference are; [59065]
(2) how many times the Employment of Children Review working group has met to take evidence from interested organisations and individuals; and from whom evidence has been taken; [59068]
(3) what is the current membership of the Employment of Children Review working group; [59069]
(4) how many children who are employed have been consulted by the Employment of Children Review working group; and on how many occasions; [59066]
(5) how many times the Employment of Children Review working group has met; and on what dates; [59067]
(6) when the Employment of Children Review working group is expected to report; and if he will make a statement on its progress. [59064]
§ Mr. HuttonThe Employment of Children Review working group has met on three occasions, 9 February, 21 July and 17 September. Membership of the working group226W comprises officials from the Departments of Health, Trade and Industry, Education and Employment, the Cabinet Office, the Health and Safety Executive and the Health and Social Services Executive, Northern Ireland. Membership also includes two representatives from the National Child Employment Network. Evidence has been taken from interested parties on two occasions. Those parties were, Save the Children, National Children's Home Action for Children, the Child Poverty Action Group, the Children's Rights Office, the Child Accident Prevention Trust and the British Film Commissioner. The working group will report early next year. The Research sub group will be meeting shortly; its purpose is to review the existing research, and to make recommendations to the main group based on its findings, both on any proposed changes to existing legislation and on any further research deemed necessary. The views of working children have not yet been sought, but it is intended to do so.