HC Deb 23 October 1989 vol 158 cc527-8
Madam Deputy Speaker

I wish to make a correction to the next group of amendments. The lead amendment is No. 243, and we shall be debating an additional Government amendment, No. 426, with the amendments grouped with the lead amendment. It comes after Government amendment No. 346.

The Solicitor-General

I beg to move amendment No. 243, in page 143, line 16, leave out sub-paragraph (b) and insert— `(b) for the definition of legal guardian there shall be substituted— 'legal guardian', in relation to a child or young person, means a guardian of a child as defined in the Children Act 1989".'

Madam Deputy Speaker

With this we may discuss Governments amendments Nos. 347, 425, 245, 346, 426, 348 to 350, 246, 427, 247, 433 and 434.

The Solicitor-General

These are consequential amendments to existing legislation and I commend them to the House.

Mr. Hardy

It is appropriate to raise an area of anxiety at this point in our debate. Although the amendments are consequential, consequences flow from them, one of which is causing real concern to the professionals involved in child welfare. It is almost inevitable that the consequence of the amendments and of the Bill will be greatly to increase the need for guardians ad litem. There will have to be significant increases in the numbers of people available to fill that role.

The Minister will recognise that in most, and probably all, parts of the country there are already difficulties in finding people to serve in that capacity. The panels concerned with those appointments are already stressed and the task is difficult. It is possible that the change in the law, especially the amendment to the 1933 Act, will substantially increase demand.

The Minister may prefer to comment on that matter, which could be a serious problem, on another occasion during the debate. However, I felt it appropriate to raise the matter and point out that the amendments before us could create real difficulties. I know that a number of directors of social services are extremely anxious. I hope that the Minister can offer the House and those responsible for such appointments some relief from their serious anxiety.

The Solicitor-General

The hon. Gentleman is right—there are other opportunities to debate this important matter.

Amendment agreed to.

5.45 pm
Mr. Mellor

I beg to move amendment No. 244, in page 143, line 19, at end insert—