asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will review all candidates for employment referred to the Department for Education and Skills' List 99 in each of the past three years.[HL6514]

In her 19 January Statement, the Secretary of State, Ruth Kelly, announced the findings of a review of cases since 1997 where a decision had been taken by Ministers or officials not to place on List 99 individuals who were on the sex offenders register, or who had committed relevant offences before the introduction of the sex offenders register in 1997.

Ruth Kelly also announced, as an interim measure, the establishment of a panel of experts, headed by Sir Roger Singleton, to oversee the List 99 process. The panel is fully in place, advising the Secretary of State on cases for his determination. Sir Roger Singleton is reviewing all cases determined before 1997 where, had the sex offenders register existed, it would have resulted in the individual's inclusion on the register, and all cases involving a sexual offence or allegation which resulted in a decision not to include on List 99 or in a restriction or a partial bar. The aim of this review will be to establish if any individual poses a risk of harm to children and if any action should be taken.