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Mr. Boateng: The question of au pairs should be considered.
Dr. Brand: With respect, I obviously did not make myself clear. I am talking about foreign schoolchildren
who attend language schools in this country and are placed with host families who are not vetted by any authority.
Mr. Boateng: That is another issue. There are signs that some people are seeking to exploit such children and their parents. However, that burden should not fall first and foremost on the British taxpayer and the state. It is important for any parent who seeks to make decisions about their children's education in a foreign country to take great care before launching their children into that country's education system. I do not believe that it is the primary responsibility of the state to take up the cudgels on behalf of such parents.
The state must ensure that there is transparency, accountability and proper regulation of a range of establishments in this country. We must also ensure that in this field--or, indeed, in any other--we do not abrogate the proper parental responsibility to take care and make sure that they are informed about the arrangements that they make for their children. If the hon. Gentleman suggests that we must assume responsibility for that area--[Interruption.] I hear what the hon. Gentleman says, but I am not persuaded.
We have an existing responsibility to will fulfil in terms of the development of our national child care policy. We must ensure that we have the appropriate range of safeguards in place. We shall meet that responsibility. The hon. Lady's debate tonight has opened the matter for discussion on the Floor of the House in a way that contributes towards an objective that I know we all share.
Question put and agreed to.
Adjourned accordingly at thirteen minutes past Twelve midnight.
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