PM sets up child-abuse inquiry

The Prime Minister yesterday set up a public inquiry into the widespread abuse in Britain's children's homes, claiming that he was "personally horrified" by the experiences of hundreds of young people who grew up in care.

After a Cabinet meeting in which ministers discussed the plight of children who had been sexually and physically abused, John Major announced that Sir William Utting, a former chief inspector of the Social Services Inspectorate, would investigate safeguards to protect children.

Mr Major said: "Children in residential care are self- evidently among the most vulnerable members of our society. The Welsh Secretary and the Health Secretary have been considering what action to take, and we agreed their proposals this morning."

A separate inquiry will investigate the widespread abuses in homes in North Wales, where at least 200 children lived under the shadow of paedophiles, and 12 former residents committed suicide following their experiences.

Both inquiries follow a campaign by the Independent into the scandal in Britain's homes, which only emerged when victims found the courage to reveal what had happened to them, exposing networks of paedophiles.

Sir William's appointment had a mixed reception among childcare experts, who welcomed it, and former homes residents, who were concerned for the inquiry's independence.

Sir William conducted a general report into childcare in homes in 1991. He is also chairman of the Institute for Social Work, which has campaigned for an improved system in the face of recent scandals including the largest investigation yet in Cheshire where more than 300 children were abused.

Daphne Statham, director of the institute, said yesterday: "He's a man of immense integrity and is committed to involving young people and getting their views. He has a very clear concept of the rights of young people in public care."

But, Zak Savio, 26, who was abused as a child in homes in North Wales, said: "I'm worried it's a conflict of interest ... Why couldn't they have chosen a barrister, someone who had the expertise but was separate?"

The inquiries will be overseen by Stephen Dorrell, Secretary of State for Health, and William Hague, Secretary of State for Wales.