Written question asked by Margaret Moran (Labour) on Thursday, 28 June 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 2 July 2007. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Thursday, 5 July 2007 on behalf of the Home Office.

Children: Abuse

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment she has made of the likely impact of serious crime prevention orders proposed in the Serious Crime Bill, if enacted, on the posting of child abuse images on social networking sites.

Answer: We believe that serious crime prevention orders will make a significant impact in the fight against all types of serious crime. They will allow law enforcement to apply for orders which will put in place reasonable and proportionate conditions upon those who have been involved in serious crime, in order to prevent any future involvement.We have ensured that contained within the list of serious crimes set out in schedule 1 is, among other similar offences, the offence under section 50 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (arranging or facilitating child prostitution or pornography). This will mean that it will be open to the applicant authorities to seek an order to prevent such criminal activity where an order would be effective and appropriate. This will not, of course, alter in any way our commitment to investigate and prosecute those who have already been involved in this criminal activity. These orders will be a means of preventing future harm before it takes place.

Secondary information