Written question asked by Tim Loughton (Conservative) on Monday, 3 February 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 24 February 2003. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Monday, 24 February 2003 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what action has been taken to investigate claims during the Victoria Climbie Inquiry that unaccompanied child refugees were placed in bed and breakfast accommodation by Brent Social Services.

Answer: Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action has been taken to investigate claims during the Victoria Climbie« Inquiry that unaccompanied child refugees were placed in bed and breakfast accommodation by Brent Social Services. [96113] Jacqui Smith: Giving evidence on Friday 12 October 2001 to the Victoria Climbie« Inquiry, Mr. Turner, QC for the London Borough of Brent, made clear that Brent Social Services had a clear policy of not placing unaccompanied children under the age of 16 in bed and breakfast accommodation. At that time, the local authority also undertook a check on the actual position and reported to the inquiry that no such children were placed in such accommodation. The Social Services Inspectorate has, this month, confirmed with Brent that this continues to be the case in practice.

Secondary information