Written question asked by Laurence Robertson (Conservative) on Tuesday, 21 November 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 24 November 2000. It was answered by Lord Boateng (Labour) on Friday, 24 November 2000 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will make a statement on his plans (a) to create a register of volunteers and (b) to require charities to check the register of volunteers before accepting volunteers.

Answer: Mr. Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his plans (a) to create a register of volunteers and (b) to require charities to check the register of volunteers before accepting volunteers. [140178] Mr. Boateng: The Government have provided funding for TimeBank, an initiative which, in partnership with the voluntary sector and the BBC, is designed to promote voluntary activity and inspire people to give time. Volunteers are able to give time by registering with TimeBank by internet, by telephone or by post. TimeBank then uses the database to match people's time to volunteering opportunities in local communities. The Government do not require charities or those seeking to use volunteers to check with the TimeBank database before accepting volunteers.

Secondary information