§ Mr. RedwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he has taken to ensure public awareness of his document, entitled "The Physical Punishment of Children". [120186]
§ Mr. HuttonWe launched the consultation paper "Protecting Children, Supporting Parents: A Consultation Paper on the Physical Punishment of children" at a press conference on 18 January. It received extensive media coverage that day, and was widely reported in the media subsequently. The document was also made available on the DH website.
In addition, a number of children's organisations have run campaigns associated with the consultation throughout the consultation period and a number of publications with specialist and family interests have featured articles about the issues involved.
§ Mr. RedwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if the Government will allow a longer time for public response to their consultation on the document, entitled "The Physical Punishment of Children". [120185]
§ Mr. HuttonThe consultation paper "Protecting Children, Supporting Parents: A Consultation Paper on the Physical Punishment of Children" was issued on 18 January and responses were asked for by 21 April.
While we are not proposing any formal extension to the consultation period we will take account of any responses received before the analysis of the responses is completed.