To ask the Attorney-General what research his Department has carried out, or is undertaking, regarding the problem of children abducted by one of their parents; and if he will make a statement.

There is no formal research programme, but the Lord Chancellor's Department is fully aware of the practical and legal difficulties that arise from the problem, and is able constantly to monitor developments through its role as a central authority under the Hague convention on the civil aspects of international child abduction and the European convention on the recognition and enforcement of decisions concerning custody of children and on restoration of custody of children. This brings the Department into contact with large numbers of victims of the problem. It also involves the Department in international discussions, the next of which will occur next week, which promote increased understanding of the problem.