§ 43. Mr. Abseasked the Attorney-General whether he is aware of public concern at the delay in the determination of adoption cases; whether the examination in the adoption law being conducted by the Law Commissioners is giving consideration to the creation of adoption courts to be composed not exclusively of lawyers untrained in child care but with paediatricians, psychiatrists and children's officers additionally appointed to determine disputed adoption orders; what steps are being taken by the Law Commissioners to obtain evidence from outside professional bodies; and when it is anticipated that the Law Commissioners will report on their conclusions relating to adoption law.
§ The Attorney-General (Sir Elwyn Jones)I am aware of the concern at the delay which has occurred in determining certain adoption cases in the High Court, but recent changes in the practice of the Chancery Division should materially reduce the time which elapses before a case is heard. I have little doubt that the Law Commission, in the examination of the jurisdiction of the courts dealing with family matters for which its programme provides, will include a consideration of the constitution of the courts dealing with adoption cases, 701 and no doubt the Commission or whatever other body undertakes the detailed examination of this subject, will take evidence from professional bodies interested. It is too early to say when the Commission's preliminary examination is likely to be completed.
§ Mr. AbseWhile welcoming the directions which have been given to speed up such cases, may I ask my right hon. and learned Friend to take into account the considerable alarm which has arisen among the public over the blood tie case, as there is clearly a need for consideration to be given to people other than lawyers adjudicating on these delicate matters which require high skill and specialisation if right decisions are to be reached speedily?
§ The Attorney-GeneralI have no doubt that all those matters will be taken into account.