Tory MP Shaun Woodward highlighted an Oxford Mail investigation into sex offenders during a speech at the House of Commons.

The Witney MP, holding a copy of last Thursday's Oxford Mail, questioned Home Secretary Jack Straw in Parliament yesterday.

He asked Mr Straw: "Is he aware of this story which reported that the head of the family protection units of Thames Valley Police believes that thousands of former sex offenders are living in the area, yet only 150 of these are registered and monitored?"

In a reply from the Home Office, minister Kate Hoey stated that she had not seen the story but after Mr Woodward drew her attention to the front page of the paper, the minister promised to look into it. Mr Woodward said afterwards: "As a director of ChildLine, this is an issue I care very much about. It is crucial that children are properly protected. The campaign by the Oxford Mail for a properly policed register has been of crucial public service."

"I was very pleased to raise this issue in the House of Commons and I will be sending a file of material from the Oxford Mail to the Home Secretary tonight."

*From today a new order was due to come into force giving magistrates the power to stop convicted paedophiles from re-visiting the scene of their crimes. In the past year, certain types of sex offenders have, such as paedophiles and adult rapists, been forced to register with police under the Sex Offenders Act.

A new order comes into force today to stop convicted paedophiles from harassing children or placing them in a vulnerable situation if police believe they could strike again. Up to now the authorities have been powerless to stop paedophiles from re-visiting the scene of their crimes.Police will be able to apply for the sex offender order, restricting paedophiles' movements..

By applying for the order, police can restrict the freedom of movement of a sex offender and prevent him going near a previous victim's school, playground or home. If he breaches the order, he faces up to five years in jail.

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