§ 32. Sir F. Medlicottasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is yet in a position to announce the composition and terms of reference of the Departmental Committee that is to inquire into the law relating to children and young persons.
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeI am glad to be able to announce that the right hon. Viscount Ingleby has agreed to be Chairman of the Committee. I am not yet in a position to announce the names of the other members, but I shall do so as soon as I can. As the Committee's terms of reference are rather long, I propose to circulate them in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Sir F. MedlicottWill my right hon. and gallant Friend give an assurance that the Committee will take evidence and advice on the widest possible scale, particularly from the admirable people who do the practical work of leadership in youth organisations of every description?
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeI have no doubt, from my knowledge of the chairman, knowledge which we all have, that that will be done, and if my hon. Friend will look at the terms of reference he will see they are very wide.
Following are the Committee's terms of reference:…to inquire into, and make recommendations on,
- (a) the working of the law, in England and Wales, relating to
- (i) proceedings, and the powers of the courts, in respect of juveniles brought before the courts as delinquent or as being in need of care or protection or beyond control;
- (ii) the constitution, jurisdiction and procedure of juvenile courts;
- (iii) the remand home, approved school and approved probation home systems;
- (iv) the prevention of cruelty to, and exposure to moral and physical danger of, juveniles;
- and
- (b) whether local authorities responsible for child care under the Children Act, 1948, in England and Wales should, taking into account action by voluntary organisations and the responsibilities of existing statutory services, be given new powers and duties to prevent or forestall the suffering of children through neglect in their own homes.