HC Deb 05 July 2000 vol 353 cc191-2W
Mr. Maclean

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the impact on religious liberties of the proposal to ban the use of implements in the physical punishment of children by parents included in the document "Protecting Children, Supporting Parents". [129076]

Mr. Hutton

The consultation document "Protecting Children, Supporting Parents" was informed primarily by our recognition of the importance of the family and the need to strengthen it, through support to families with children.

Over 800 replies were received in response to the consultation, a number of which were from faith-based organisations and from individuals who cited the importance of their faith in informing their response. These responses will be considered carefully alongside all of the other responses.

Mr. Maclean

To ask the Secretary of State for Health in what circumstances the use of an implement in the exercise of physical punishment of children by their parents would be considered unreasonable, as proposed in the consultation document "Protecting Children, Supporting Parents". [129082]

Mr. Hutton

In the consultation document "Protecting Children, Supporting Parents", published in January 2000, six questions were raised for consultation within the context of three possible future options for change. These are all based on the proposal that the defence of reasonable chastisement be set out on a statutory basis. The questions are then raised as to whether the following circumstances can be made reasonablephysical punishment which causes, or is likely to cause, injury to the head (including injuries to the brain, eyes and ears) physical punishment using implements (e.g. canes, slippers, belts).

Those of the over 800 responses received which address these questions will be considered as part of the process of analysing the contributions of respondents.