HL Deb 01 August 1978 vol 395 cc1280-1WA
Lord EVANS of CLAUGHTON

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will institute a ministerial inquiry into "the Paul Brown affair" in view of the great public concern arising out of the death of a small boy while in the care of foster parents and under the supervision of Wirral Borough Council Social Services Department; and in view of the nature of the evidence so far produced, the apparent loss of vital documents, and the actions of certain officers of the local authority and trade unions, whether they will arrange for such an inquiry to be held immediately after the non-judicial inquiry at present taking place.

Lord WELLS-PESTELL

I understand that Mr. Mervyn Heald, QC, has been appointed by the Wirral Borough Council to conduct an inquiry whose terms of reference are:

  1. (a) To inquire into a claim that the material document which was not put in evidence before the panel of inquiry investigating the Paul and Liam Brown case existed at the time of the inquiry.
  2. (b) To report his findings and to make such recommendations as he considers appropriate to the Council.

Mr. Heald's report is expected shortly and the Council have been asked to send a copy to my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Social Services when it is available. My right honourable friend will consider in the light of Mr. Heald's report, and any comments the Council may make, whether there is any action he should take.