§ Ms McCaffertyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance his Department issues to health authorities concerning the operation of the Prohibition of Female Circumcision Act 1985. [122493]
§ Yvette Cooper[holding answer 17 May 2000]: "Working Together to Safeguard Children" was issued to health authorities jointly by the Department of Health, the Home Office and the Department for Education and Employment in December 1999. It is also addressed to those who work in the education services, the police, social services, the probation service, and others working in contact with children. Reference to female genital mutilation highlights the importance of focusing on preventive strategies where practising populations are known to live.