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To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what protection is afforded to public sector employees from violence in the workplace; and what plans he has to introduce a specific offence for assaulting public sector workers.

Asked by

Jimmy Wray (Labour)

Answering body

Home Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

17 July 2003

For answer on

16 September 2003

Answered on

16 September 2003

Mr. Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what protection is afforded to public sector employees from violence in the workplace; and what plans he has to introduce a specific offence for assaulting public sector workers. [128110] Ms Blears: The Government take a very serious view of violence in the workplace and is pursuing a range of action to combat it. In March 2000 the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) embarked on a three-year programme to help employers, including those in the public sector, to tackle assaults on staff, with the aim of reducing the number of incidents of violence at work. So far the programme has resulted in the publication of new guidance specifically aimed at small businesses, the development of new National Occupational Standards on work-related violence, a programme of inspections in the health care sector, and new research to establish good practice for lone workers, including those in the public sector. Health and Safety Executive officials are now evaluating this programme and will be submitting written proposals to the HSC on the next stage (2003- 06) later this year. Assaulting a public sector worker in the course of his or her duty is an extremely serious matter, as reflected in guidelines issued by the Magistrates' Association in September 2000 (and amended in July 2001). The guidelines already make it clear that, if the assault is against an individual serving the public, this should be considered as an aggravating factor. We have no current plans to introduce a specific offence of assaulting a public sector worker.

Date

16 September 2003

Reference

128110; 410 c672-3W;410 c670-1W

House

House of Commons

Dept of Trade and Industry

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what measures are in place to assist people who are victims of poor standards of work by builders; if she will take steps to set up a national list of reputable builders and plumbers; and if she will make a...

Asked by

Jimmy Wray (Labour)

Answering body

Department of Trade and Industry

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

16 September 2003

Reference

129152; 410 c642W;410 c640W

House

House of Commons

Dept for Transport

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will take steps to prevent airlines from intentionally overbooking flights; if he will issue guidance to airline companies on appropriate (a) levels of compensation and (b) alternative arrangements for passengers unable to board flights they booked; and if he will...

Asked by

Jimmy Wray (Labour)

Answering body

Department for Transport

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

15 September 2003

Reference

129217; 410 c498W;410 c504W

House

House of Commons

Ministry of Defence

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Royal Military Policemen are deployed in Iraq; what their role is; and if he will make a statement on what protection is afforded to them whilst carrying out their tasks. - Including figures.

Asked by

Jimmy Wray (Labour)

Answering body

Ministry of Defence

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

8 September 2003

Reference

123838; 410 c44-5W;410 c44W

House

House of Commons

Dept of Health

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what protection is afforded to nurses and other medical staff in the workplace from members of the public; what assistance is given by the police to hospitals and other medical treatment centres; and what recent measures he has introduced to improve co-operation.

Asked by

Jimmy Wray (Labour)

Answering body

Department of Health

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

17 July 2003

For answer on

8 September 2003

Answered on

8 September 2003

Mr. Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what protection is afforded to nurses and other medical staff in the workplace from members of the public; what assistance is given by the police to hospitals and other medical treatment centres; and what recent measures he has introduced to improve co-operation. [128112] Mr. Hutton: Responsibility for tackling assaults against staff working in the National Health Service passed to the Counter Fraud and Security Management Service (CFSMS) on 1 April 2003. During 2003-04, the CFSMS will be taking forward a number of initiatives to reduce the number of both physical and non-physical assaults. The CFSMS is currently developing: conflict resolution training for all frontline staff including nurses and general practitioners as a key preventative measure to reduce the number of incidents; a national and consistent reporting system to record incidents of physical assaults on staff, using a common definition, with the ability to track cases from report to conclusion. This will allow for intervention where appropriate in order to ensure the best possible outcome for the victim concerned and help increase the rate of offenders prosecuted; a consistent locally managed reporting system will be established to deal with non-physical assaults using the common law definition. Clear definitions of assault swill enable sanctions that are appropriate to the incident to be sought; a legal protection unit to provide health bodies with advice on cost-effective methods of pursuing a wide range of sanctions against offenders including criminal and civil action where appropriate; ways in which technology can be used to provide better protection for staff. This work is undertaken in co-operation with the Home Office; a Memorandum of Understanding with the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) to ensure that a consistent national approach to reducing physical and non-physical assaults on staff is taken by both the NHS and the police.

Date

8 September 2003

Reference

128112; 410 c153W

House

House of Commons

Dept of Health

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what targets were set in the Zero Tolerance campaign; what progress has been made; and how many targets have been met. - Includes figures and ref to (NAO) report, "A safer place to Work - Protecting NHS Hospital and Ambulance Trust Staff...

Asked by

Jimmy Wray (Labour)

Answering body

Department of Health

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

17 July 2003

For answer on

8 September 2003

Answered on

8 September 2003

Mr. Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what targets were set in the Zero Tolerance campaign; what progress has been made; and how many targets have been met. [128111] Mr. Hutton: In 1999, in its "working together" framework, the Government set the National Health Service trusts three targets to reduce the number of incidents of violence against NHS staff: by April 2000, to have systems in place for recording incidents of violence to staff and publish strategies to achieve reductions in the levels of violence by: 20 per cent. by April 2001-02; and 30 per cent. by April 2003-04. A recent National Audit Office (NAO) report, "A safer place to Work -- Protecting NHS Hospital and Ambulance Trust Staff from Violence and Aggression", reported that: around 90 per cent. of NHS trusts have violence policies and systems in place for recording incidents; and the majority of NHS trusts did not meet the 2001-02 target for reducing incidents by 20 per cent. The NAO acknowledged that the increase in reported violent and abusive incidents in the majority of NHS trusts was mainly due to improved reporting rates, generally among NHS staff and in particular increased reporting of verbal abuse. The NAO suggests in its report, and this appears to be reflected in the data held by the Health and Safety Executive, that levels of physical assaults are stabilising. Responsibility for tackling assaults against staff working in the NHS passed to the Counter Fraud and Security Management Service (CFSMS) on 1 April 2003. During 2003-04, the CFSMS will be taking forward a number of initiatives to reduce the number of both physical and non-physical assaults. The CFSMS is currently developing: conflict resolution training for all frontline staff as a key preventive measure to reduce the number of incidents; a national and consistent reporting system to record incidents of physical assaults on staff, using a common definition, with the ability to track cases from report to conclusion. This will allow for intervention where appropriate in order to ensure the best possible outcome for the victim concerned and help increase the rate of offenders prosecuted; a consistent locally managed reporting system will be established to deal with non-physical assaults using the common law definition. Clear definitions of assault will enable sanctions that are appropriate to the incident to be sought; a legal protection unit to provide health bodies with advice on cost-effective methods of pursuing a wide range of sanctions against offenders, including criminal and civil action where appropriate; ways in which technology can be used to provide better protection for staff, working with the Home Office. One of the chosen test sites for the "Safer Hospitals" project as an ambulance trust; a Memorandum of Understanding with the Association of Chief Police Officers to ensure that a consistent national approach to reducing physical and non-physical assaults on staff is taken by both the NHS and the police.

Date

8 September 2003

Reference

128111; 410 c154W;410 c153-4W

House

House of Commons

Dept for Education and Skills

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what measures are in place (a) to prevent bullying in schools and (b) to punish those found to be harassing their peers; what proposals he has to protect pupils found to be victims of bullying in schools; and if he...

Asked by

Jimmy Wray (Labour)

Answering body

Department for Education and Skills

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

11 June 2003

For answer on

19 June 2003

Answered on

19 June 2003

Mr. Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) what measures are in place (a) to prevent bullying in schools and (b) to punish those found to be harassing their peers; [119604] (2) what proposals he has to protect pupils found to be victims of bullying in schools; and if he will make a statement on how bullying can affect children; [119605] (3) what guidance he gives on when schools should consider police intervention in a case of bullying; and in what circumstances pupils may be expelled for bullying; [119606] (4) if he will make a statement on the protection of children from bullying while in school; and whether it is his policy that (a) victims and (b) the offender should be removed from the school. [119607] Mr. Ivan Lewis: Bullying is a serious problem that affects pupils' educational achievement and emotional well-being. All schools in England must treat the problem seriously, and are required to draw up written measures, which must be fully implemented, to prevent all forms of bullying among pupils. We have made available to schools a free information pack and video entitled "Bullying: Don't Suffer in Silence", which provides examples of good practice in preventing bullying. There is also a dedicated website at www.dfes.qov.uk/bullying, which offers help to pupils, parents and teachers and contains links to other websites. Anti-bullying work is part of our Behaviour and Attendance strategy and from this September it will feature within the new behaviour and attendance audits and training, which are being introduced into secondary schools as part of the Key Stage 3 strategy. Schools need to have a range of measures in place to protect their pupils--including pupils who have been bullied previously--from bullying. These are likely to include proper supervision during the school day and encouraging a culture of openness so that bullying cannot flourish unseen. Schools should do all they can to ensure that pupils do not feel they need to change school because of bullying. As far as the bullies are concerned, we have made it clear that, where necessary, those responsible for serious or prolonged bullying-- including cases of violence, sexual assault or inciting racial harassment--can be permanently excluded. We have published guidance on the circumstances in which the police should be involved in cases of bullying in school. We encourage all schools to have effective links with the local police. The Safer School Partnerships established within our wider Behaviour and Attendance strategy, whereby police officers are based in some schools, will also help to prevent and deal with bullying.

Date

19 June 2003

Reference

407 c361-2W;407 c362-3W; 119604;119605;119606;119607

House

House of Commons

Home Office

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what discussions he has had with EU colleagues regarding the inclusion of specific children's rights in EU policy.

Asked by

Jimmy Wray (Labour)

Answering body

Home Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

7 May 2003

Reference

110778; 404 c746W;404 c742W

House

House of Commons

Home Office

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what proposals he has to ensure child victims of trafficking are protected from and do not return to or are not kidnapped by their trafficker or abuser; what specialist safe accommodation and supervision is available in such circumstances; and if...

Asked by

Jimmy Wray (Labour)

Answering body

Home Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

28 April 2003

For answer on

7 May 2003

Answered on

7 May 2003

Mr. James Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has to ensure child victims of trafficking are protected from and do not return to or are not kidnapped by their trafficker or abuser; what specialist safe accommodation and supervision is available in such circumstances; and if he will make a statement. [110785] Beverley Hughes: Child victims of trafficking are referred to social services to receive assistance and support based on their particular needs. They may arrive in this country as unaccompanied minors seeking asylum, or accompanied by an adult. In the latter case, if anyone who comes into contact with the child is concerned that the child is the victim of abuse or neglect, they should refer the child to the relevant local authority's social services department. Unaccompanied minors seeking asylum will also be referred to social services. Social services have a duty under the Children Act 1989 to safeguard and promote the welfare of children who are in need by providing a range and level of services appropriate to those children's needs or, where appropriate, by arranging for the provision of services from other agencies. This care will be determined by a needs assessment according to the Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families. Child victims of trafficking are likely to be in need of welfare services and--in many cases-- protection under the Children Act 1989. Where there is a risk to the life of a child or a likelihood of serious harm, an agency with statutory child protection powers, for example the police or councils with social services responsibilities, should act quickly to secure the immediate initial safety of the child. In some cases, it may be necessary to ensure that the child remains in, or is removed to, a safe place. Under s.20 of the Children Act 1989, a local authority may provide accommodation for any child within their area if they consider that to do so would safeguard or promote the child's welfare. This may involve placing the child in a foster placement or it may place the child in a children's home. There are only very limited circumstances in which it is an option to hold a young person in secure accommodation. The Children Act 1989 permits that children may only be held in secure conditions if they satisfy certain specific grounds such as a likelihood of absconding together with a likelihood that injury would be caused to the young person themselves or others. This requires the approval of the courts.

Date

7 May 2003

Reference

110785; 404 c748-9W;404 c744-5W

House

House of Commons

Home Office

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many child protection officers are stationed at UK ports and airports; what plans he has to increase these numbers; and what plans he has to create a permanent child protection unit.

Asked by

Jimmy Wray (Labour)

Answering body

Home Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

7 May 2003

Reference

110782; 404 c747W;404 c743W

House

House of Commons

Dept of Health

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what specialist assistance is available for child victims of trafficking for exploitation; what plans he has to ensure that social services staff have training on child trafficking; and if he will make a statement.

Asked by

Jimmy Wray (Labour)

Answering body

Department of Health

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

6 May 2003

Reference

110787; 404 c655W;404 c648W

House

House of Commons

Dept of Health

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many children have disappeared from care in each year since 1997; what measures are in place to ensure children remain in care; what assessment has been made of where children go when they disappear from care; what measures are in place...

Asked by

Jimmy Wray (Labour)

Answering body

Department of Health

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

28 April 2003

For answer on

6 May 2003

Answered on

6 May 2003

Mr. Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many children have disappeared from care in each year since 1997; what measures are in place to ensure children remain in care; what assessment has been made of where children go when they disappear from care; what measures are in place to try to keep track of their whereabouts; and if he will make a statement about the safety of children who disappear from care. [110784] Jacqui Smith: The number of children who were listed as being missing from care in England since 1997 is shown in the table. Excluding children looked after under a series of short-term placements, it is estimated that in 2001-02 some 82,200 children were looked after in public care at some time during the year. Estimated number of looked after children who went missing from their usual place of residence at any time during the years ending 31 March 1998 to 20021 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. England Number 1997-98 560 1998-99 550 1999-2000 540 2000-012 940 2001-022 960 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. 1 Data describes the number of children who went missing not the number of missing person's incidents by any one child. 2 With effect from 1 April 2000, the definition of missing was changed from being absent for more than seven days to being absent for 24 hours or more. Notes: This table excludes all children looked after under a series of short- term placements. "Children Missing from Care and Home--a guide to good practice" was issued to every English local authority in November 2002, under section 7 of the Local Authority Social Services Act 1970, which means that, except in exceptional circumstances, councils must follow its advice. The guidance requires that where a child in care is assessed to be missing, the authority responsible for their care must ensure that all is being done to locate them and return them to a place of safety. Where there is reason for an authority to be concerned that a child may go missing at the time that a care placement is made, then the guidance recommends that the authority should ensure that there is a proper "risk assessment" as to the likelihood of that child going missing. This assessment should lead to action being taken to minimise any potential risk. Each local authority must appoint a senior manager to be responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of its missing from care protocols and procedures.

Date

6 May 2003

Reference

110784; 404 c651-2W;404 c647-8W

House

House of Commons

Dept of Health

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assistance is available to families (a) in difficulty and (b) with a child with disability to prevent potential abandonment.

Asked by

Jimmy Wray (Labour)

Answering body

Department of Health

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

7 April 2003

Reference

105936; 403 c96W

House

House of Commons

Dept of Health

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what funding is in place for specialist agencies to provide assistance and support to child victims of trafficking. - Includes no figures.

Asked by

Jimmy Wray (Labour)

Answering body

Department of Health

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

21 March 2003

Reference

103405; 401 c962W

House

House of Commons

Home Office

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what measures the Government has in place (a) to stop child trafficking for the sex trade and (b) to protect child asylum seekers from organised criminal groups when they arrive in the UK. - Inc ref to "Secure Border Safe...

Asked by

Jimmy Wray (Labour)

Answering body

Home Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

12 March 2003

For answer on

20 March 2003

Answered on

20 March 2003

Mr. Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures the Government has in place (a) to stop child trafficking for the sex trade and (b) to protect child asylum seekers from organised criminal groups when they arrive in the UK. [103404] Beverley Hughes: The United Kingdom is committed to tackling the trafficking of children for sexual exploitation. Our strategy on trafficking is set out in the White Paper "Secure Border Safe Haven" and focuses on strengthening the law through new offences covering trafficking; providing appropriate support to victims of trafficking in the UK; tackling the criminals through intelligence and enforcement operations through the Reflex taskforce; European Union co-operation and prevention in source and transit countries in partnership with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for International Development. The new Sexual Offences Bill sets out new wide- ranging offences covering trafficking for sexual exploitation to replace the stop-gap offence of trafficking for the purpose of prostitution, introduced in the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002. The offence of trafficking for sexual exploitation carries a tough maximum penalty of 14 years. In addition to this, the Bill also introduces a new offence of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of a child, which will protect children up to 18. It covers a range of offences, including buying the sexual services of a child, (for which the penalty ranges from seven years to life depending on the age of the child); and causing, facilitating or controlling the commercial sexual exploitation of a child in prostitution or pornography, for which the maximum penalty will be 14 years imprisonment. Child victims of trafficking are referred to social services to receive advice and support based on their particular needs. Under the Children Act 1989, local authorities have a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children who are in need by providing a range and level of services appropriate to those children's needs or, where appropriate, by arranging for the provision of services from other agencies. We are working with Department of Health on examples of good practice on how this commitment is delivered. Joint work is also underway between key agencies at principal entry points to identify children at risk. A Child Protection Pilot Project was launched on 10 March at Heathrow, this is a joint operation between the Metropolitan Police and the Immigration Service.

Date

20 March 2003

Reference

103404; 401 c940-1W

House

House of Commons

Dept of Health

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps he will take to ensure that unaccompanied child asylum seekers are not recruited for (a) sexual exploitation, (b) child labour and (c) other forms of child exploitation. - Inc ref to Children Act 1989 and "Safeguarding Children Involved...

Asked by

Jimmy Wray (Labour)

Answering body

Department of Health

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

26 February 2003

For answer on

10 March 2003

Answered on

10 March 2003

Mr. Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he will take to ensure that unaccompanied child asylum seekers are not recruited for (a) sexual exploitation, (b) child labour and (c) other forms of child exploitation. [100315] Jacqui Smith: I have been asked to reply. Unaccompanied, asylum-seeking children are supported by councils with social services responsibilities, in accordance with the duties laid on them by the Children Act 1989. The Act draws no distinction between such children and other children in need. Children at risk of becoming involved in prostitution and other forms of commercial sexual exploitation are likely to be in need of welfare services and, in many cases, protection under the Children Act 1989. Where there is a risk to the life of a child or a likelihood of serious harm, an agency with statutory child protection powers, such as the police or councils with social services responsibilities, should act quickly to secure the immediate safety of the child. In some cases, it may be necessary to ensure either that the child remains in, or is removed to, a safe place. Under section 20 of the Children Act 1989, a local authority may provide accommodation for any child within its area if it considers that this would safeguard or promote the child's welfare. When a child is identified as at risk of being drawn into prostitution or other commercial sexual exploitation, an assessment of the child's needs will be undertaken in accordance with "Safeguarding Children Involved in Prostitution" (2000) and "Working Together to Safeguard Children" (1999), the Government's child protection guidance, and the "Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and Their Families" (2000). This assessment should be followed by consideration of how best to address the identified needs of the child and the development of a care plan. The plan could include a range of services. The Children and Young Persons Act 1933 is the primary legislation governing child employment. The legislation is intended to protect children and young people who are being employed. Local authorities are responsible for ensuring compliance with the legislation and any related local byelaws.

Date

10 March 2003

Reference

100315; 401 c65-6W

House

House of Commons

Dept of Health

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps his Department takes to ensure that protection and assistance is given to children separated from their parents who are seeking asylum. - Inc ref to Children Act 1989.

Asked by

Jimmy Wray (Labour)

Answering body

Department of Health

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

3 March 2003

Reference

100314; 400 c823W;400 c816W

House

House of Commons

Home Office

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will establish independent child death review teams to deal with child deaths from abuse and neglect; what plans the Government has to set up child safeguarding teams to ensure that professionals involved in the care and protection of...

Asked by

Jimmy Wray (Labour)

Answering body

Home Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

28 February 2003

Reference

400 c770-1W;400 c762-3W; 98485;98484

House

House of Commons

Dept of Health

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what recent discussions he has had with (a) representatives of the NSPCC on child protection and (b) the Fostering Network on care of children.

Asked by

Jimmy Wray (Labour)

Answering body

Department of Health

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

24 February 2003

Reference

98487; 400 c358W;400 c355-6W

House

House of Commons

Dept of Health

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what care arrangements are made for children who are victims of child prostitution to ensure they are placed in a safe care environment and receive treatment. - Includes ref to "Safeguarding Children Involved in Prostitution" (2000), "Working Together to Safeguard Children" (1999),...

Asked by

Jimmy Wray (Labour)

Answering body

Department of Health

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

22 January 2003

For answer on

31 January 2003

Answered on

31 January 2003

Mr. Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what care arrangements are made for children who are victims of child prostitution to ensure they are placed in a safe care environment and receive treatment. [93553] Jacqui Smith: Children involved in prostitution and other forms of commercial sexual exploitation are likely to be in need of welfare services and--in many cases-- protection under the Children Act 1989. Where there is a risk to the life of a child or a likelihood of serious harm, an agency with statutory child protection powers, for example, the police or councils with social services responsibilities, should act quickly to secure the immediate initial safety of the child. In some cases, it may be necessary to ensure either that the child remains in, or is removed to, a safe place. Under section 20 of the Children Act 1989, a local authority may provide accommodation for any child within their area if they consider that to do so would safeguard or promote the child's welfare. When a child is identified as involved in prostitution or other commercial sexual exploitation, or at risk of being drawn into it, an assessment of the child's needs will be undertaken in accordance with "Safeguarding Children Involved in Prostitution" (2000), "Working Together to Safeguard Children" (1999), the Government's child protection guidance, and the "Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families" (2000). This assessment should be followed by consideration of how best to address the identified needs of the child and development of a care plan for the child who is in need. The plan could include a range of services, for example, mentoring to assist a return to education or employment, and help to secure appropriate health services.

Date

31 January 2003

Reference

93553; 398 c1060W;398 c1054W

House

House of Commons

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House

Session

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Department

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Answering member

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