§ Mr. Juddasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action he is taking to ensure that the inspectorate in child care will continue to advise staffs of local children's departments and social services departments on their work with juvenile delinquents which in other respects remains the responsibility of the Home Office; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Sir K. JosephThe staffs of the Inspectorate of the former Children's Department of the Home Office and of the Social Work Division of my Department are being integrated into a new 75W professional service. As part of its responsibilities in relation to local authority social services generally (which will include all the responsibiities of the new local authority Social Services Department), this service will therefore continue to advise local authorities on all aspects of the care of children, including work with delinquents. It will also give professional advice to the Home Office on those matters relating to children which remain the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary.