HC Deb 17 September 2004 vol 424 c1901W
Tim Loughton

Criminal Records Bureau checks have revealed convictions are employed in social services departments. [188925]

Ms Blears

[holding answer 14 September 2004]: Information is not available to indicate how many people who have received a Disclosure which have revealed convictions are employed within Social Services.

The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) does not make judgements on an applicant's suitability for a position and does not therefore record such information. The Bureau's role within the recruitment process is to provide an employer, through a Registered Body, with the necessary information that enables an informed and responsible recruitment decision to be made.

Bob Spink

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made in reducing the time taken by the Criminal Records Bureau to produce reports on individuals. [189307]

Ms Blears

For the period July 2003 to July 2004, the Criminal Records Bureau has achieved its service standards for processing Standard and Enhanced Disclosure applications. On average, over 90 per cent. of Standard and Enhanced Disclosures have been issued within two and four weeks respectively.