Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether the scope of the inquiry into child sexual exploitation and abuse will permit the inquiry to consider the historic background and factors behind child sexual exploitation and abuse in the United Kingdom.

Answered by Lord Hanson of Flint - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Government is driving forward work to establish the National Inquiry into Group-Based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse under the Inquiries Act 2005. It will be overseen by an Independent Commission with statutory powers to compel evidence and testimony so that institutions can be held to account for current and historic failures. The inquiry will be independent of government and designed to command the confidence of victims and survivors and the wider public.

In line with the Inquiries Act, the appointed Chair will play a central role in shaping the Commission’s Terms of Reference. These will be published by the Chair once in post and subject to consultation with stakeholders, including victims and survivors.

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to reject the Equality and Human Rights Commission updated draft code of practice for services, public functions and associations.

Answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

The EHRC has revised its Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations following the consultation and submitted it to the Minister for Women and Equalities.

The Government is considering the updated draft Code and, if the decision is taken to approve it, the Code will be laid before Parliament for a 40 day period. It is right that the Minister takes the time to consider it in detail and follow the necessary steps.

Found: Hayter of Kentish Town The Lord Jackson of Peterborough The Baroness Ludford The Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne