Local Authorities: Child Protection

Baroness Hughes of Stretford Excerpts

Tuesday 26th November 2013 Lords Chamber

[Lord Nash]

I will have to write on this to my noble friend and will do so.

[Baroness Hughes of Stretford (Lab)]

My Lords, in the light of the shocking findings published today by the Children’s Commissioner—that the extensive use by boys of adult pornography is fuelling sexual exploitation and abuse of girls on an apparently massive scale—what action are the Government taking to ensure that social workers and teachers in particular are better equipped to protect young people from this new and escalating abuse taking place among them? In view of the widespread concern across the House about these serious issues, will the Minister host a meeting with the commissioner and interested Peers to discuss further her findings and recommendations?

[Lord Nash]

We take this matter very seriously. There are a number of programmes from CEOP and UKCCIS to help teachers in this regard and we are strongly focusing on this. I would be delighted to host the meeting to which the noble Baroness refers.