To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he plans to sign the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse; and if he will make a statement. (178717)

The Government intend to sign the Convention before June 2008.

The Convention is a significant instrument, which contains a number of provisions that will help improve child protection. The UK’s signature will be a signal of our continued commitment to this important area of protection.