§ 6. Mrs. Joyce Butlerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of the number of children in care are from normal families who have been evicted from their homes; and what discussions he has had with local authorities and other bodies about the possibility of avoiding eviction in such cases.
§ Mr. Roy JenkinsThe information is not available in the form requested, but over a recent period of 12 months, just over 3 per cent. of the children received into care by local authorities in England and Wales came from evicted families. I propose to consider with the other Ministers concerned, in consultation with the local authority associations, what further guidance should be issued to local authorities on problems of homelessness.
§ Mrs. ButlerMay I thank the Home Secretary for that reply. In view of the fact that this separation from parents, in addition to them losing their home, can have a very serious, long-term effect on children, would not the Home Secretary agree that we should end this as soon as possible and deal with the difficulties of local authorities in this respect?
§ Mr. JenkinsI feel some concern about this and that is precisely why I am looking at the matter in consultation with my right hon. Friend.