HC Deb 21 November 1946 vol 430 c1024
75. Mr. Peart

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has any proposals to reform the procedure of adoption societies and the whole system of private adoptions.

Mr. Ede

The work of adoption societies was reviewed in 1937 by a departmental committee and was subsequently regulated by the Adoption of Children (Regulation) Act, 1939, which came into effect in 1943. The Care of Chidren Committee, which recently reported, took the view that it is too soon to review the workings of that Act but they made certain recommendations on the subject of adoption, including private adoptions, which are being examined by the Government.

Mr. Solley

In considering this matter is my right hon. Friend taking into account two important details: first the particulars entered on the birth registration certificate of adopted persons, and second the law of the devolution of property on intestacy which involves considerable hardship in cases where adopted children are concerned?

Mr. Ede

Yes, Sir. Those are two of the matters to which I am giving very earnest consideration, but the second does present some most astounding complications,