§ 61. Mr. Liptonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services to what extent the welfare departments of local councils co-operate with the police to ensure the return of young girls now operating as prostitutes in the West End of London who have absconded from council care.
§ Mr. MoyleIt is very difficult to generalise but if my hon. Friend has a specific case in mind, I will undertake to have inquiries made. The normal procedure is that where children in care abscond, the police are notified. When such children are found, the police should be able to get in touch with the local authority concerned at any time of day or night to make appropriate arrangements for their return.
Sections 67 and 68 of the Children Act 1975, which come into effect on 26th November 1976, will give greater powers in relation to the recovery of children in care of local authorities including powers of search where there are reasonable grounds for believing that a child is being harboured and powers for the detention of absentees.