§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what structures are in place for, and what plans he has to improve, the exchange of information on child sex offenders between countries. [110781]
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§ Hilary BennSince June 2001 sex offenders subject to the notification requirements of the Sex Offenders Act 1997 have been required to notify the police if they intend to travel abroad for eight days or more. The police can, and do, pass this information to other jurisdictions where they believe the offender may commit offences overseas.
The meeting of G8 Ministers of Justice and Home Affairs on 5 May this year, discussed the implementation of the strategy against the sexual exploitation of children on the internet. The strategy includes objectives on collecting information, locating suspects and international co-operation, including the creation of an international image database that can be used to identify victims and persons suspected of paedophile acts. This is a major initiative which will assist police forces to combat the sexual exploitation of children on the internet.
We are continuing to explore with our European partners how we might share information on sex offenders who travel within the European Union.
Information relating to Scotland is a matter for Ministers in the Scottish Parliament. Information relating to Northern Ireland is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.