Mr. Kirkwoodasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he proposes to alter the powers given to social work departments to assume parental rights under the terms of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968.
Mr. John MacKaySection 7(1) of the Health and Social Services and Social Security Adjudications Act 1983, which will be implemented on 15 August 1983, amends section 16(5) of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968. The effect is to require a local authority to notify a parent or guardian in writing of a resolution assuming parental rights and powers or vesting such powers in a voluntary organisation, notwithstanding prior written consent.