§ 12. Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will seek powers to amend the regulations to ensure that guardian's allowance is paid in respect of children immediately one parent is sentenced to life imprisonment, irrespective of the right of appeal, and where the other parent is already deceased.
§ Mr. DeanThis matter is being considered as part of a wider examination of the provisions under which guardian's allowance can be paid for such children.
§ Mr. HughesDoes the Minister agree that the welfare of innocent children should be the first consideration in such matters, and that therefore the allowance should be paid immediately sentence is passed, particularly bearing in mind that so few of the appeals succeed?
§ Mr. DeanI fully understand the hon. Gentleman's point. This is one of the features to which he has drawn attention which is being considered.