asked the Prime Minister if she will institute a judicial inquiry into (a) the consequences of Her Majesty's Government's policy towards the prevention of child abuse and murder of recent court cases involving cruelty towards babies and young children and (b) the implications of those cases for the co-ordination of departmental responsibilities for agencies charged with providing or supporting child welfare services and the efficacy and appropriateness of current Government guidelines issued on this subject; and if she will make a statement.

I shall write to my hon. Friend shortly.