HC Deb 12 December 1946 vol 431 c1330
46. Mr. K. Lindsay

asked the Prime Minister whether any decision has yet been reached as to which Government Department shall in future be generally responsible for the welfare of children deprived of a normal home life.

The Prime Minister

I am not yet in a position to announce the decision of the Government on this matter, but I will do so as soon as possible.

Mr. Lindsay

While not pressing the right hon. Gentleman now for a statement, may I ask whether it is the intention of the Government to proceed with administrative reforms, apart from legislative reforms, without a decision on this central point, or is it proposed to make a decision on the central point?

The Prime Minister

Perhaps the hon. Member will put that down.

Mrs. Manning

While the right hon. Gentleman has this matter under consideration, would he say which Department is to take care of these children, and will he also consider the possibility of setting up a separate children's department?