§ 196 Clause 53, page 49, line 38, leave out 'and'.
§ 197 Page 49, line 39, leave out 'every' and insert 'any other'.
§
198 Page 49, line 40, at end insert 'and
(d) any person whose wishes and feelings the person carrying on the home considers to be relevant.'.
§ 199 Page 49, line 45, leave out 'they have' and insert 'he has'.
§ 200 Page 50, line 2, leave out `they have' and insert `he has'.
§ The Lord ChancellorMy Lords, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendments Nos. 196 to 200 inclusive.
The principal amendments in this group are Amendments Nos. 196 and 198. These would require persons carrying on registered children's homes to ascertain, where it is reasonably practicable, the wishes and feelings of any person whose wishes and feelings he considers relevant, when making any decision with respect to a child who is accommodated in the home. These persons would be in addition to those already specified (child, parents and others with parental responsibility). Under Clause 53(3) the person carrying on the home would also be required to give due consideration to any wishes and feelings ascertained.
At Report stage in this House I moved similar amendments in respect of local authorities' responsibilities towards children whom they look after, including those in community homes, and in respect of persons carrying on voluntary homes. I said at the time that the Government would bring forward similar amendments in respect of registered children's homes. Amendment No. 197 is a drafting amendment which is aimed at conformity of drafting style, and Amendments Nos. 199 and 200 are drafting amendments.
§ Moved, That the House do agree with the Commons in the said amendments.—(The Lord Chancellor.)
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.