CAPE TOWN -- A register of all offenders convicted of sexual crimes against children would soon be set up to protect children, social welfare services chief director Helen Starke said on Friday.

The inter-sectoral committee established by the department in November last year was developing a plan of action to combat and prevent the commercial sexual exploitation of children, she told the National Assembly's welfare committee.

Child prostitution was a growing problem and of particular concern to thfenders, because this would undoubtedly infringe on their constitutional rights.

It was merely aimed at preventing offenders from being employed in positions where they would be responsible for looking after children, such as in creches or schools.

Information contained in the register would not be freely available to anyone, but made available on request to institutions dealing with children and who needed information on the suitability of prospective employees.

Responding to suggestions that the register also include people accused - but not convicted - of such offenses, Starke said this could have many constitutional implications.

However, consideration could possibly be given to the idea if information was only given out under very high security circumstances.