Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Herbert of South Downs and Priti Patel

Tuesday 23rd November 2010 Commons Chamber

[Priti Patel (Witham) (Con)]

T5. Families in Witham town are concerned about the presence of paedophiles and sex offenders, and the risk that they pose to children in our local community. What steps is the Secretary of State taking, in conjunction with other Government agencies, to ensure that my constituents are protected from those dangerous individuals?

[The Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice (Nick Herbert)]

My hon. Friend might know about the child sex offender disclosure scheme, which is being extended to 24 police forces, having been successfully piloted in 11 police force areas. It allows members of the public to ask the police to check whether people have contact with their children at risk. They have already successfully protected children and provided considerable reassurance to parents.