§ 79. Mr. Hastingsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that parents are deliberately deserting or leaving their children, sometimes in local authority premises, well knowing that the local authority will have to receive them into care; that it is not possible for proceedings to be taken against the parents unless it can be proved that the children have been abandoned in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering; and what action he proposes to take.
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeI understand that such cases occur. The need for additional powers to prosecute parents who abandon children in such circumstances will be considered when amending legislation can be undertaken.