Clause 23 - Positions of trust
Sexual Offences Bill [Lords]
3:15 pm
Mr Paul Goggins (Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Home Office; Wythenshawe and Sale East, Labour)
I respond in the spirit in which the hon. Gentleman asked the question. The establishments—the training organisations, the professional bodies that represent people in that profession—have a responsibility to ensure that every teacher, whether new or current, is well aware of their responsibilities. I am trying to reassure the Committee that that already happens. Ignorance cannot be an excuse in the law, and, in any event, there should not be any ignorance because all the bodies involved instruct members of the profession to know fully their liabilities and responsibilities. I hope that I have satisfied the hon. Gentleman that his concerns are taken on board in the Bill, and I hope that he will consider withdrawing his amendment.