THE BRITISH Government has refused to appoint a Children's Commissioner, an independent watch-dog to look after the rights and welfare of all children in the UK. They propose instead to establish A Children's Rights Director, whose powers will only cover the 200,000 children who are living in care. There are 13 million young people in the UK and no single body represents their needs and interests, unlike the ethnic minorities or the disabled, who already have their own Commissioners.

I have always felt very strongly about the welfare of children. As a retired nurse and community midwife of 36 years, I am very aware of the dangers to babies and children, often from within the family. The abuse and cruelty to children is throughout all levels of our society. Children can be subjected to long periods of misery, neglect and pain long before the authorities are informed.

Another aspect in the abuse of children is the increase of early teenage pregnancy -- our schoolgirl mothers. We must prevent abuse before it happens by having someone who is totally independent and able to respond positively to such situations long before the red tape and delays that we have experienced in the past.

I urge you to pass these concerns on to your readers, so that they will recognise the need for a Children's Commissioner and pressure the Government to reconsider this issue as a priority,

In June this year The National Assembly for Wales established their Children's Commissioner. It seems they have accepted that all children need protection, not just those who are in care. Sweden, Norway, Austria and Iceland have also recognised the Rights of the Child and acted upon them.

Children are our future. We must provide special protection as they are emotionally, physically and mentally vulnerable in today's society.

Valerie Cook

Crossdale Road,

Bolton