§ 21. Viscountess ASTORasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the reported action of the magistrates at the Linton Petty Sessions, Cambridgeshire, in ordering a poor woman to get rid of two adopted children on the ground that they were luxuries to which a poor person had no right; and whether, in view of the present unsatisfactory status of adopted children, he can give any indication as to when he intends to take action in the matter on the lines recommended by the Departmental Committee?
§ Mr. SHORTTThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. With regard to the second part, I am unable to make any statement at present. The Report of the Committee will be published shortly.
§ Mr. SHORTTI do not know.
§ Viscountess ASTORNo.
§ 22. Mr. N. CHAMBERLAINasked the Home Secretary whether he has yet received the Report of the Departmental Committee on Child Adoption, presided over by Sir Alfred Hopkinson, K. C.; and whether the Report will be published?
§ Mr. SHORTTThe answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative.
§ Mr. N. CHAMBERLAINCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether he will also publish the Interim Report of the Committee, recommending that legislation should be introduced providing for the legitimation of illegitimate children by the subsequent marriage of their parents?
§ Mr. SHORTTThat is under consideration. I cannot make a statement.