Written question asked by Lisa Nandy (Labour) on Tuesday, 24 April 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 26 April 2012. It was answered by Baroness Teather (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 30 April 2012 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Immigration Controls: X-rays

Question: (2) when his Department was first notified about the trial of dental x-rays for age assessment purposes being conducted by the UK Border Agency;

Answer: As Minister for Children and Families I have a responsibility to ensure that the rights of all children are respected, and that their health and wellbeing is protected. The views of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, and others, on the use of ionising radiation on children for non medical purposes is well documented. The DFE has had ongoing discussions with the Home Office regarding the policy to trial the use of dental x-rays to determine the age of a young person. I can confirm that no x-rays have taken place and that the trial has stopped. Discussions are currently taking place with the National Research Ethics Service.

Secondary information