One of the greatest fears facing parents today is that their children will fall victim to the attentions of sex offenders.

There have been so many tragedies, especially with paedophiles who have previously offended, that there has for some time been a call for a UK version of America's "Megan's Law", which allows parents in the States to find out if anyone with child sex convictions is living in their area.

Bradford MP Gerry Sutcliffe has had the investigation into whether such a law would work over here at the top of his agenda since his promotion to the Home Office.

He has finally told delegates at a fringe meeting of Labour's conference that there is to be no Megan's Law for the UK.

There can be no doubt that Mr Sutcliffe has looked fully into this matter. What works in the USA might not necessarily work over here, and while a popular statute, Megan's Law is not without its flaws.

Many parents will be angered at the decision, and it will not reassure those who are extremely worried about their children falling prey to paedophiles who may move into their street or even get jobs which put them in direct contact with their children.

If the government is not going to adopt Megan's Law, then parents will be looking forward to seeing just what innovative policy is going to be suggested in its place.

The worst thing that can happen is that the matter is allowed to quietly fade away until it is forced into the spotlight once more when an innocent child is abused - or possibly worse - at the hands of a convicted sex offender.