Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she plans to respond to the recent letter from the hon. Member for Wigan on the remit of the inquiry into child abuse recently announced by her Department.

Work continues to identify and appoint a suitable chairman for the inquiry. It is important that the chairman has the right blend of experience, expertise and authority to lead the Inquiry. Terms of reference for the Inquiry will be agreed with the chairman and panel, when appointed. A formal reply to the letter in question will be sent as soon as possible.