Written question asked by Tim Loughton (Conservative) on Monday, 14 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 24 March 2005. It was answered by Baroness Hodge of Barking (Labour) on Thursday, 24 March 2005 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Dept for Education and Skills

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what special arrangements will be put in place when the Children's Commissioner for England deals with complaints about the conduct of paediatricians dealing with children.

Answer: Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what special arrangements will be put in place when the Children's Commissioner for England deals with complaints about the conduct of paediatricians dealing with children. [222691] Margaret Hodge: None. As stated in the Children Act 2004, the Children's Commissioner has the function of promoting awareness of the views and interests of children. As part of this function, he may choose to consider or research any matter, relating to the interests of children, including the operation of complaints procedures. He also has an inquiry function which means that when he considers that the case of an individual child raises questions of relevance to children generally, he may hold an inquiry into that case. He is also independent of Government and if he chooses to deal with complaints about the conduct of paediatricians or any other professional group, it will be up to him how he exercises this duty and what arrangements he will make. As in all his work, whether the Commissioner holds an inquiry or considers an issue, he will exercise impartiality at all times.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 432 c1008W;432 c1000W; 222691
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Complaints Children Conduct Children's Commissioner for England Paediatrics
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk