§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what further consultation he has had with the National Association for the Welfare of Children in Hospital on the problems of abandoned children in hospital; what further action he has taken; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir K. JosephThe hon. Member will be aware of a circular about these children issued to hospital authorities and local authorities earlier this year. I have recently written to the chairman of the Association about its co-operation with the Women's Royal Voluntary Service in befriending children abandoned in hospitals, and about my intention to hold early next year a conference on the problems of children in hospital for long periods.