THE new inquiry into alleged child sex abuse at children’s homes in North Wales in the 1970s and 80s is to be welcomed.

But it will only be viewed as a success if those guilty of abuse finally appear in court as a consequence of their actions. Previous inquiries into the allegations have either been too narrow in their remit or not thorough enough. Just seven people have been successfully convicted despite police investigations, a council inquiry and a public inquiry in the 1990s.

That is despite 80 people being named as alleged abusers during the Waterhouse Inquiry, which reported its findings in 2000.

A council probe in the mid-1990s was never even published because of fears its contents were too defamatory.

This new inquiry must have a remit wide enough to investigate allegations of wider paedophile rings being provided with children from local authority homes in North Wales. It must be able to fully explore claims that a senior Conservative politician from the Thatcher era was involved in the abuse.

And the findings of the inquiry must be afforded absolute privilege – in other words, its report must be published without fear of legal action from those named within it.

Those proven to be victims need to be assured this latest investigation will provide them with the answers and justice they deserve.