National Strategy On Child Sex Abuse

EDM number 122 in 1994-95, proposed by Frank Cook on 24/11/1994.

That this House notes that the paper compiled by the Metropolitan Police over a period of three years in relation to the beliefs and practices of the organisation called The Children of God, also known as The Family of Love, states among other things that this sect 'advocates and promotes sexual freedom', that there is 'clear evidence that indicates sexual abuse has been systematically advocated and practised', that 'allegations of prostitution and child abuse have surfaced regularly' and that authorities have been 'unaware of the scale of sophistication and tactics employed by the sect'; notes too the letter from the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Health in answer to a question from the honourable Member for Stockton North, Official Report 3rd November, column 1271, which states 'selected officials received a copy' and that 'The paper has been read and concurs with the information which this Department already held on the group'; questions why, in the light of this prior awareness, more significant action had not been initiated on this grave matter by the Department and whether, in view of Scotland Yard's call for a 'national strategy to address the problem' the Minister intends to accept the responsibility for the formulation of such a policy; and finally enquires of the Home Secretary whether he will give to the House an unqualified assurance that the Obscene Publications Squad of the Serious and International Crimes Branch of New Scotland Yard will be allowed to continue operations with adequate staffing the resources available, for they conducted these investigations and their continued existence and efficiency is crucial to the success of any national plan adopted. (Relevant registered interest declared).

This motion has been signed by a total of 53 MPs.