SCOUTS bosses' concerns over the potential cost of carrying out criminal record checks on volunteers have been investigated by MP Robert Jackson.

They raised the issue with the Wantage MP after learning that checks carried out under new Government policy could cost them £10 a time.

Checks on volunteers became of greater concern after the massacre at Dunblane, Scotland, of 16 children by gunman Thomas Hamilton, who was known to have been a scout leader.

After querying the new legislation, Mr Jackson said he had received assurances from Home Office Minister, Paul Boateng, that the scouts would not suffer financially. He said: "Obviously, everyone is concerned, rightly, that those with access to children should be both qualified and fit to carry out their duties. "But the Scouting Association already has its own systems in place, which I am told have operated effectively.

"And there was a worry that any statutory requirement to carry out additional checks would be an extra financial burden for the Scouting Association, since the cast for each check will be in the region of £10."

But Mr Jackson said he was continuing to press Mr Boateng on the issue on behalf of other groups.

He added: "I am continuing to look into the question of the charges, as I understand that there are many voluntary and charitable organisations who would like to make use of the criminal records bureau, but who are concerned about its affordability."

Story date: Tuesday 11 May

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