CHILD ABUSE COMMISSION

Early day motion 983, tabled 12 March 2002 by Jimmy Wray (Labour). Signed by 26 members.

That this House calls on the Government to recognise the effects of child abuse at the De La Salle schools and fund an independent English and Scottish Commission into child abuse to identify and rule on cases past and present and to help steer policy and law governing children in care and victims of abuse; calls for the Commission to consist of professionals and abuse survivors, and be able to hear or investigate abuse claims similar to a tribunal and to have powers to recommend criminal investigation and charges; urges the Government to fund a Scottish and English Survivors' Centre to provide a much needed meeting place, as well as staff and funding for psychological assessment, support and treatment for abuse victims and their families; and hopes that from this terrible tragedy there will be a lasting legacy which ensures that no children in the future will be left without a voice, and that those who suffered in the past have a fighting chance of reclaiming their lives once more.

Signatures by party: Labour 23, UUP 2, Liberal Democrat 1.