HC Deb 11 July 1978 vol 953 cc1230-1
5. Mr. Andrew F. Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement about progress in his talks with local authorities about boarding-out allowance for foster-children.

Mr. Moyle

I have little to add to the replies I gave to my hon. Friend on 11th April and to my hon. Friend the Member for Eton and Slough (Miss Lestor) on 27th June. I understand that detailed proposals are being prepared for consideration by the relevant committees of the local authority associations in the autumn.

Mr. Bennett

I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply. Does he not agree that his policy of trying to lead the local authorities gently along this path is not making much progress? Would it not be better for him to give them a good, sharp kick up the backside to persuade them to implement national minimum standards of support, including financial support, for foster-parents?

Mr. Moyle

I note that my hon. Friend is impatient. He has given a very strong lead in this matter and has made a considerable contribution. I have no power to direct local authorities. All I can do is to give them a lead, and I did that by accepting my hon. Friend's suggestion that the rates of boarding-out allowances should be published in Hansard.

Mrs. Knight

Has the Minister considered, within the context of these talks, an extra boarding-out allowance for children who are disabled or handicapped in any way?

Mr. Moyle

I note the hon. Lady's claim for extra public expenditure, which is contrary to the policy of her party.

Mr. Newens

Is the case of privately fostered children also being considered? Is my right hon. Friend aware that the foster-parents of such children, in the event of the natural parents defaulting on their payments, may be denied practically all assistance from public funds? I have an example of a child in my constituency who is being denied assistance in this way and who is not even being permitted to have free school meals.

Mr. Moyle

Fostering has not been regarded as part of this exercise, but if my hon. Friend will put down a Question on the subject I shall give him the information he seeks.

Mr. Hodgson

I welcome the news of the terms due in October. Is the Minister aware of the unease felt by many foster-parents, as evidenced by their trip to the House of Commons, about the inequalities in the regions? Will he take a positive attitude to ensure that there will be no further delays?

Mr. Moyle

The last time we discussed this subject, the hon. Member raised the question of fostering. It is outside the terms of the Question. If he will put down a Question about fostering, I shall endeavour to deal with it.