HC Deb 12 December 1972 vol 848 cc76-7W
45. Miss Lestor

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what percentage of children made the subject of a care order is currently living at home.

Sir K. Joseph

The available information, based on provisional figures for 31st March 1972, is that 40,530 of the 86,504 children in the care of local authorities in England had been committed to care by a court order. About 17 per cent. of the total number in care were allowed to be under the charge and control of a parent, guardian, relative or friend, but it is not known how many of these were the subject of care orders.