HC Deb 31 January 1978 vol 943 cc113-4W
Mr. Tim Renton

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will set up a departmental inquiry to investigate the circumstances in which Stephen Menheniott returned to his family follow- ing his being in care under the supervision of the East Sussex Social Services Department; and if he will publish the findings.

Mr. Ennals

Yes, I have asked my Department's Social Work Service to conduct an investigation with the following terms of reference

  1. 1. To examine the decision by East Sussex authorities in 1972 to allow Stephen Menheniott to live with his father in the Isles of Scilly and the subsequent exercise of their parental rights and powers and the level of supervision afforded.
  2. 2. To consider whether subsequent changes made in the policies, procedures and practice then in operation in East Sussex have made good any shortcomings revealed by this examination; and
  3. 3. To indicate whether there are any general lessons that can be derived from this case;

and to prepare a report for publication.