Written question asked by Lord Lester of Herne Hill (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Malloch-Brown (Labour) on Wednesday, 26 March 2008.

Forced Marriage

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will review the extent to which the guidance given by the Forced Marriage Unit to healthcare professionals and education authorities is followed in practice.

Answer: The Forced Marriage Unit, jointly with the relevant government departments, has issued guidance for education professionals, health professionals, social workers and police officers. This guidance is being revised and will be reissued on a statutory footing. The Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007 makes it clear that a person exercising public functions to whom guidance is given under the Act must have regard to it in the exercise of those functions. We would expect bodies that inspect and/or regulate healthcare professionals and education authorities to check that such responsibilities are being met. In the case of education, the Office for Standards in Education already makes a judgment on safeguarding and we would expect compliance with relevant statutory guidance to be considered in reaching that judgment. Should the Forced Marriage Unit become aware of any organisation not following the statutory guidance it will of course raise this with the relevant authority.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 700 c92-3WA; 2435
Session: 2007-08
Subjects: Health professions Forced marriage Protection Teachers Victims Forced Marriage Unit
Legislation: Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk