§ 78. Commander Nobleasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will consider modifying the existing regulations which require parents within the Empire wishing to adopt a child from this country to come and reside here first.
§ Mr. EdeA court is required, before making an adoption order under the Adoption of Children Act, 1926, to be satisfied that it will be for the welfare of the child. As generally it would be impracticable for a court to make adequate and reliable inquiries in respect of applicants living abroad, the Act provides that adoption orders, which confer on adopters irrevocable rights of parenthood, should be made only in favour of persons who are resident and domiciled in this country. British children may, however, go abroad for adoption by British subjects provided that a licence is granted under Section 11 of the Adoption of Children (Regulation) Act, 1939. Legalisation of the adoption then depends on the law in force in the prospective adopter's country of domicile.
§ Commander NobleIs it in tact the case that a child may be adopted within the Empire without prospective parents having to come to this country?
§ Mr. EdeYes, but certain proceedings have to be conducted before the Chief Magistrate at Bow Street before the child is allowed to emigrate.