§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will list the responsibilities of the Minister for Children which have been transferred from the Department of Health; and what matters concerning child protection have not been transferred. [120384]
§ Margaret Hodge[holding answer 19 June 2003]: Responsibility has been transferred from the Department of Health for social services policy for children, and for policy relating to teenage pregnancy. The transfer of social services policy responsibilities includes child protection policy. However all staff working with children have a role in keeping children safe, including staff in the NHS. The Department of Health will have responsibility for child protection matters in so far as they relate specifically to health services, working in close co-operation with the Department for Education and Skills.