§ 62 and 63. Sir T. Mooreasked the Home Secretary (1) how many refugee children have been adopted in this country by people of British nationality since 1st January, 1938;
(2) to what extent and under what conditions adoption is permitted in respect of immigrant refugee children; and whether such children as are, or may be, adopted will thereby acquire now or in the future British nationality?
§ 70. Colonel Wedgwoodasked the Home Secretary under what statute it is illegal for British citizens to adopt children from Germany, and/or stateless children; and whether he will now take steps to except refugees from this disability, especially in the case of orphans?
§ Sir S. HoareThe Adoption of Children Act, 1926, provides that an adoption order shall not be made in respect of an infant who is not a British subject. As at present advised I cannot undertake to introduce legislation to amend the Act on this point. I understand that many refugee children have been received temporarily into British homes but no information is available as to the number of such cases.
§ Colonel WedgwoodIs it not desirable that British people who are so charitably inclined should be encouraged to adopt or semi-adopt these children in this country?
§ Sir S. HoareThere are objections against the adoption of foreign subjects by British subjects owing to the differences in the nationality laws in the various countries. This question was taken into account when the Adoption Bill was passed, and at present I do not see any case for amending the Statute.
§ Colonel WedgwoodDoes the right hon. Gentleman wish to encourage this form of charity in this country or not?
§ Sir S. HoareObviously, I cannot encourage any form of charity which is against the law.