HC Deb 31 January 2002 vol 379 c523W
Simon Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to take action to make it an offence for an adult to deceive minors into exposing themselves; and if he will make a statement. [29639]

Mr. Keith Bradley

This whole area is one which we are looking at very carefully as part of our consideration of the recommendations for new sexual offences proposed in "Setting the Boundaries", the report of the Sex Offences Review. The review proposed a new offence of adult sexual abuse of a child, includinginciting or compelling a child to carry out a sexual act".

We are currently considering the large number of responses to the public consultation process on the Review document.

We view with serious concern those who seek to use children for their own gratification and tackling this abhorrent behaviour is a top priority for this Government. We will ensure any gap is filled.

Simon Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to publish proposals for sex offence law reform; and if he will make a statement. [29642]

Mr. Keith Bradley

We are currently considering how to change existing sex offences in light of the recommendations made to Government in "Setting the Boundaries" and the more than 700 responses that were received during the consultation period. We will be bringing forward legislation when parliamentary time allows and will publish a summary of our proposals in the Library as soon as possible.