Clause 24 - Positions of trust: interpretation
Sexual Offences Bill [Lords]
3:30 pm
Ms Sandra Gidley (Romsey, Liberal Democrat)
I am disappointed to hear the hon. Gentleman say that the right balance has been struck. He spent much time talking about schools, but the clause applies to more vulnerable children, perhaps with a learning disability, where the situation is much less clear. Unless there were some big falling-out and a vexatious complaint, the relationship that he described between a 17-year-old and a supply teacher would be very unlikely to result in a complaint against the teacher, because it involved a consensual act.
The matter becomes more difficult if people who less easily understand the boundaries of a sexual act are involved, and we shall come on to clauses on that issue later. Such people may not understand some of the ramifications. For those cases where care workers or therapists go to an institution occasionally, there is a real question of vulnerability that must be addressed. We must find a way to protect people in such situations.
I am very disappointed that the Under-Secretary will not give way on any aspect of this debate. I shall not press the matter to a vote, but it is very likely that we will want to revisit it on Report. I beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment.
Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Amendments made: No. 210, in
clause 24, page 12, line 23, at end insert—
' ''care order'' has—
in relation to England and Wales, the same meaning as in the Children Act 1989 (c.41), and
in relation to Northern Ireland, the same meaning as in the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 (S.I. 1995/755 (N.I. 2));'.
No. 211, in
clause 24, page 12, line 34, at end insert—
' ''education supervision order'' has—
in relation to England and Wales, the meaning given by section 36 of the Children Act 1989 (c.41), and
in relation to Northern Ireland, the meaning given by Article 49(1) of the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 (S.I. 1995/755 (N.I. 2));'.
No. 212, in
clause 24, page 13, line 8, at end insert—
' ''supervision order'' has—
in relation to England and Wales, the meaning given by section 31(11) of the Children Act 1989 (c.41), and
in relation to Northern Ireland, the meaning given by Article 49(1) of the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 (S.I. 1995/755 (N.I. 2));'.—[Paul Goggins.]
Clause 24, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.