§ 21. Mr. Eadieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is satisfied with existing legislation concerning the care of children by foster parents particularly where they have been in care for some years; and if he will make a statement.
The Under-Secretary of State for Health and Education, Scottish Office (Mr. Edward Taylor)The hon. Gentleman will be aware that the Departmental 208 Committee on Adoption published last week provisional proposals for discussion which bear on the position of long-term foster parents. My right hon. Friend intends to await the Committee's final report, which will be prepared in the light of further evidence, before considering the amendment of existing legislation.
§ Mr. EadieI thank the hon. Gentleman for his reply, but may I ask whether he is aware that there is some national concern in Scotland about the effect on children who are in the case of foster parents for many years? Would not the hon. Gentleman agree that the publicity given to this issue at times is not very helpful to the future lives of foster children, and that as a consequence there is some urgency about the need to deal with the problem?
Mr. TaylorI am sure that the adoption committee is aware of the recent cases which have given rise to public comment and in which the hon. Gentleman has taken such an interest, but I think he will agree that it would be wrong to proceed with legislation relating to this matter without waiting for the committee to complete its report.