To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills pursuant to his answer to the hon. and learned Member for Redcar (Vera Baird) of 1 September 2003, Official Report, column 718W, on child law reform, which Minister has overall responsibility for child law reform. [129713]

My Department has lead responsibility across Whitehall for policy on children, young people and the family. As Minister for Children, Young People and the Family in the DfES, I will keep under review the legislation relating to children and young people for which this Department is responsible. A number of other Ministers are responsible for legislation that impacts, either directly or indirectly, on children. I will work with these Ministers with a view to ensuring that their legislation contributes to the best possible outcomes for children and young people.