Written question asked by Paul Marsden (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 20 November 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 27 November 2002. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Wednesday, 27 November 2002 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will make a statement on increasing resources for child protection in connection with child pornography material seized by police. - Including figures.

Answer: Mr. Paul Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on increasing resources for child protection in connection with child pornography material seized by police. [83177] Jacqui Smith: Between 1996-97 and 2002-03, the Government increased social services funding by more than 20 per cent, in real terms, and will make further annual average real terms increases available of 6 per cent, between 2003-4 and 2005-6. The Government is spending £11 billion on personal social services this year, 2002-03. It is, however, up to local authorities with social services responsibilities, in the light of their assessments of children's needs within their area, to decide how to allocate this money.

Secondary information