Written question asked by Simon Hughes (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 18 January 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 31 January 2002. It was answered by Lord Bradley (Labour) on Thursday, 31 January 2002 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans he has to take action to make it an offence for an adult to deceive minors into exposing themselves; and if he will make a statement. - Inc ref to 'Setting the Boundaries', the report of the Sex Offences Review.

Answer: Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to take action to make it an offence for an adult to deceive minors into exposing themselves; and if he will make a statement. [29639] Mr. Keith Bradley: This whole area is one which we are looking at very carefully as part of our consideration of the recommendations for new sexual offences proposed in "Setting the Boundaries", the report of the Sex Offences Review. The review proposed a new offence of adult sexual abuse of a child, including "inciting or compelling a child to carry out a sexual act". We are currently considering the large number of responses to the public consultation process on the Review document. We view with serious concern those who seek to use children for their own gratification and tackling this abhorrent behaviour is a top priority for this Government. We will ensure any gap is filled.

Secondary information