Written question asked by Jeremy Corbyn (Labour) on Friday, 10 December 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 December 2004. It was answered by Ian Pearson (Labour) on Monday, 20 December 2004 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what his policy is on the use of physical punishment of children by their parents in Northern Ireland.

Answer: Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what his policy is on the use of physical punishment of children by their parents in Northern Ireland. [205005] Mr. Pearson: The policy on the use of physical punishment by parents is being co-ordinated by the Office of Law Reform, which is part of the Department of Finance and Personnel. In October of this year I indicated my belief that children in Northern Ireland should not be treated differently to those in England and Wales. Following changes which now appear as section 58 of the Children Act 2004 it is my intention to introduce a similar provision in Northern Ireland.

Secondary information