Mr Clarke has expressed concern about the new English role

Wales' Children's Commissioner Peter Clarke is only able to intervene in devolved areas like health and education.

But his new English counterpart will have responsibility in Wales for issues that are decided at Westminster.

MPs on the all-party Welsh Affairs Committee fear the two roles will cause confusion.

Due to the devolution settlement Mr Clarke is able only to intervene in areas which are the responsibility of the Welsh Assembly Government.

The new English commissioner - however - will have responsibility in Wales and the rest of the UK for children's issues that are decided at Westminster, issues relating to the probation service for example.

Julie Morgan MP is a member of the Welsh affairs committee which reported to the government on this issue and fears that two separate roles would cause problems.

Having this confusion is a very bad move and we've got to change it Julie Morgan MP

"The way the Children's Bill is set out - the English Commissioner will have responsibility for non-devolved matters," she said.

"That means the English Commissioner would operate in Wales over those areas.

"That is a matter of great concern because I think what we have to look at is the most effective way of getting to young people who need help.

"And to have two people operating in Wales is confusing and not on."

The post of Welsh children's commissioner - to respond to complaints from children - was created after a report by Sir Ronald Waterhouse in 2000 about the abuse of children and young people over a period of 20 years in homes across north Wales.

Two Acts of Parliament control the commissioner but he is independent from government.

In March Mr Clarke said he feared a similar role in England, could confuse and undermine his position.

"Over three years now we've been trying to build up a system so that children understand that their commissioner is a Welsh Commissioner - and I'm there for them," he said at the time.

"Suddenly we are going to have to tell them - 'well, actually no, it's the English Commissioner you want for this thing or that thing'."

The government at Westminster has rejected the MPs request to confine the commissioner's role to England.

It says a UK-wide remit will ensure a consistent approach to all policies which are decided in Westminster.

But Mrs Morgan fears that young people will not know who to turn to.

"The adult population wouldn't know whether to go to an AM, an MP or a councillor so it's very idealisic to think that young people in trouble would know who to go to.