§ LORD DAVIESMy Lords, I beg to ask the question standing in my name.
§ [The question was as follows:
§ To ask His Majesty's Government whether there is any foundation for recent Press statements that it is proposed shortly to put into operation such provisions of the Adoption of Children (Regulation) Act, 1939, as are necessary to bring to an end the prevailing unsatisfactory conditions; if they will indicate when the necessary regulations are to be issued; and if they will give an assurance that suitably qualified persons will be appointed to adminster the provisions of the Act.]
§ LORD TEMPLEMOREMy Lords, I have been asked to reply to this question on behalf of my noble friend the Earl of Munster. On the 28th January, the Home Secretary announced in another place that this Act would be brought into operation as soon as the necessary arrangements could be made, and it is hoped to issue the necessary regulations very shortly. As regards the last sentence of the noble Lord's question, the enforcement of the Act will rest in England and Wales with the county and county borough councils, and with such other local authorities as are welfare authorities responsible for the enforcement of the child life protection clauses of the Public Health Act, 1936. In Scotland the local authorities responsible for the administration of the Act will be the councils of counties and large burghs.
§ House adjourned.