To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what guidance her Department has issued to local authorities on the circumstances under which social services may have intimate medical examinations performed on those with mental incapacities without the consent of guardians ad litem; under what authority such examinations are performed; and if she will make a statement. (186497)

[holding answer 18 February 2008]: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Member for Bury, South (Mr. Lewis) on 18 February 2008, Official Report, columns 284-85W.