HL Deb 18 June 1996 vol 573 c165

3.8 p.m.

Lord Lucas

My Lords, I beg to move the Motion standing in my name in the Order Paper.

Moved to resolve, That it is expedient that a tribunal be established for inquiring into a definite matter of urgent public importance, that is to say, the abuse of children in care in the former county council areas of Gwynedd and Clwyd.—(Lord Lucas.)

Lord Cledwyn of Penrhos

My Lords, is the noble Lord aware that we in North Wales in particular welcome this decision with a good deal of relief? Is he further aware that we also welcome the appointment of Sir Ronald Waterhouse as chairman of the inquiry?

Lord Allen of Abbeydale

My Lords, the Royal Commission presided over by Lord Salmon made recommendations about the procedure to be followed by tribunals of inquiry. Is the Minister aware that the tribunal of inquiry into the Crown Agents, on which I had the rather dubious privilege of serving, suggested some modification of those recommendations? Will the Minister assure the House that those suggestions will be brought to the notice of the chairman of the tribunal?

Lord Lucas

My Lords, I could not possibly answer the latter question without notice, but I will certainly do so in writing. I am delighted to have the support of the Benches opposite in an inquiry which it is important to get right for the sake of the children of Wales, and which is not a party-political matter.

On Question, Motion agreed to.

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