Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 3 July 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 5 July 2007. It was answered by Ann Keen (Labour) on Monday, 16 July 2007 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Children: Screening

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the Gateway Approval (ref 7698) concerning consent for a dental screening epidemiological survey for school children was issued; for what reasons the practice of negative permission was discontinued; and what other tests on children are subject to negative permission consents.

Answer: We decided that, under the current good practices followed on consent to treatment, dental examinations in schools should only be carried out when the parents/carers or, if judged competent, the child had given positive consent. The guidance advises on how consent can be obtained in connection with the arrangements made for the admission of children to school. We are not aware of other screening tests conducted in connection with epidemiological surveys, which are subject to negative consent.

Secondary information