Written question asked by Margaret Moran (Labour) on Wednesday, 10 July 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 19 July 2002. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Friday, 19 July 2002 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will amend Schedule 2, Part I, of the Children Act 1989, to require local authorities to have regard to the services provided to the victims and potential victims of forced marriages.

Answer: Margaret Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will amend Schedule 2, Part I, of the Children Act 1989, to require local authorities to have regard to the services provided to the victims and potential victims of forced marriages. [70074] Jacqui Smith: Children who are the victims or potential victims of forced marriages fall within the scope of section 17 of the Children Act 1989, which places a duty on local authorities to safeguard and promote the welfare of children within their area who are in need. That duty would not be strengthened by amending the wording of Part 1 to Schedule 2 of the Act.

Secondary information