Written question asked by Helen Clark (Labour) on Tuesday, 29 April 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 6 May 2003. It was answered by Hilary Benn (Labour) on Tuesday, 6 May 2003 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what research he has commissioned into the potential impact of making compulsory the reporting of (a) allegations and (b) suspicions of child abuse by persons in positions of authority.

Answer: Mrs. Helen Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research he has commissioned into the potential impact of making compulsory the reporting of (a) allegations and (b) suspicions of child abuse by persons in positions of authority. [110993] Hilary Benn: The Government is considering the suggestion that there should be a statutory obligation to report allegations or suspicions of child abuse. In doing so, we will take into account the experience of other countries that have introduced mandatory reporting schemes. It is too early in our consideration to be able to report on our findings.

Secondary information