§ Miss Wrightasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) whether it is his intention that there should be any waiver of the duties of local authorities to take children into their care who are in need of care in the terms of the Child Care Act 1980 but who do not qualify for British citizenship if the British Nationality Bill becomes law;
(2) whether there will be any difference in the financial and legal responsibility of local authorities towards children in their care who are or are not eligible for British citizenship if the British Nationality Bill becomes law.
§ Sir George YoungNo.
§ Miss Wrightasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, in the event of the British Nationality Bill becoming law, there are to be established procedures by which a local authority shall be required (a) to establish the eligibility for citizenship of children in their care arid (b) to consult with individual children in their care and, on their behalf, to initiate proceedings to register for citizenship those who wish to become British citizens.
§ Sir George YoungA local authority is required to give first consideration to the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of a child in its care; and, so far a s practicable and having regard to his age and understanding, to give due consideration to his wishes and feelings. I would expect a local authority to take any necessary steps, under existing and proposed legislation, to safeguard a child's interests in regard to registration as a British citizen.