§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the organisations and individuals from whom he has received representations on the plan to charge for criminal records checks. [146051]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeWe have received a substantial number of representations, both direct and via right hon. and hon. Members, over many months, about the fees which will be charged by the Criminal Records Bureau for criminal record checks when they become available, in most cases for the first time, to assist in recruitment decisions and protect the welfare of vulnerable people. These have come principally from voluntary organisations, larger (such as the Scout Association and the St. John Ambulance) and smaller in size, which are involved in working with those under 18 or other vulnerable people, and from individuals involved in volunteering. There have also been ad hoc meetings at both ministerial and official levels with the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), with individual groups, and with groups of organisations such as national sports bodies; and the NCVO represents the voluntary sector on the board which oversees and advises Ministers on the programme to establish the Criminal Records Bureau.