Written question asked by David Hinchliffe (Labour) on Thursday, 25 October 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 6 November 2001. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Tuesday, 6 November 2001 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if his Department will request local authorities to provide statistics on the abuse of disabled children as a subset of the annual figures collected regarding the total number of children registered for abuse. - Includes ref to the first children in need survey in February 2000. The report is published at: www.doh.gov.uk/cinresults.htm. A copy of report in Library.

Answer: Mr. Hinchliffe: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if his Department will request local authorities to provide statistics on the abuse of disabled children as a subset of the annual figures collected regarding the total number of children registered for abuse. [11413] Jacqui Smith: We already collect statistical information about the abuse of disabled children. Information on the numbers of disabled children in need known to local authority social services departments, and the reason for their being in need (including abuse/ neglect), was collected by the Department as part of the first children in need survey in February 2000. The report is published on the Department's Home Page of the Internet at www.doh.gov.uk/cinresults.htm. A copy of the report is also available in the Library. The survey is being repeated in late 2001, and the results are likely to be available in mid 2002.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 11413; 374 c216W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Disability Children Abuse Local government Offences against children Statistics
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk