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Mr. Hardy
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if his Department has observed any significant increase in the incidence of child battering or similar abuse within families during the last two years; and if any action has been taken in response.
Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg
There is no reliable information about the incidence of child abuse. However, we are always concerned to improve the effectiveness of services in this field. In 1980 we issued guidance on child abuse registers and later this year we propose to publish a study of inquiry reports on cases of abuse, which should help to improve professional practice and procedures.