§ Bob RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions she has had on broadening the Criminal Record Bureau's access to criminal records from other countries with regard to child protection for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games. [68830]
§ Mr. CabornChild protection issues in relation to the Commonwealth Games are being taken forward by Manchester 2002 Ltd., the Games' organisers, in close liaison with Manchester City Council's Social Services Department. They have been working to ensure that the Games' child protection policies and procedures are consistent with relevant legislation and best practice.
In relation to Games' competitors who are under 16 years of age, Manchester 2002 Ltd. is requiring each team to provide chaperones to ensure that minors can be accompanied at all times. Assistance is being given to those teams that could otherwise not afford to meet this requirement. Manchester 2002 has asked all nominated chaperones to undergo subject access checks if they are from the UK, or via a similar scheme, if available, if from outside the UK. Otherwise teams are being required to provide a letter of support for each chaperone from someone in an official capacity.
In the case of children performing in the Games' ceremonies, provisions have been made to ensure that all minors are properly chaperoned. All chaperones have been asked to undergo subject access checks.