HC Deb 26 October 1976 vol 918 cc118-9W
38. Mr. Madel

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether his Department is considering issuing new guidelines to local government social services departments on the subject of taking children into care; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ennals

Local authorities are bound to take into care children and young persons committed to their care by the courts. They also have a duty to receive into their care children who satisfy the conditions of Section 1 of the Children's Act 1948. I have no intention of issuing new guidelines on the subject in the immediate future but should always be prepared to consider doing so if the need arose.

61. Miss Joan Lestor

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many children are at present in residential nurseries.

Mr. Moyle

At 31st March 1976 some 1,750 children in the care of local authorities in England were resident in community homes for children under the age of 7—residential nurseries.