Written question asked by Debra Shipley (Labour) on Wednesday, 7 July 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 21 July 2004. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Basildon (Labour) on Wednesday, 21 July 2004 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, when legislation will be introduced to give area child protection committees in Northern Ireland a statutory basis.

Answer: Ms Shipley: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when legislation will be introduced to give area child protection committees in Northern Ireland a statutory basis. [183587] Angela Smith: The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety is currently developing a Strategy for Children and Young People in Need which will consider a wide range of child protection matters including placing Area Child Protection Committees on a statutory footing. Decisions on the need for primary legislation will follow on from the completion of the strategy.

Secondary information