§ Ms DrownTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Government will announce the conclusions of the review of the effectiveness of the register of sex offenders.[102711]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeIt is anticipated that the results of the review of the effectiveness of the register will be available next spring. Following its publication we will be looking at whether, and if so what, changes might be necessary to the Sex Offenders Act 1997 in consultation with the police and non-governmental bodies concerned.
§ Ms DrownTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to introduce measures for the monitoring of sex offenders who travel. [102712]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeWe fully recognise the concerns expressed over the need to keep track of sex offenders who travel abroad or have convictions for sex offences committed abroad and who return to this country. We are at present conducting an evaluation of the operation of the registration requirement in the 1997 Act. Once this review is completed, we will need to consider whether, and if so what, changes are necessary. We intend to do this in full consultation with the police and non-governmental bodies working in this area. Primary legislation will be required for any changes to the Act.