§ Mr. Berminghamasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will issue guidelines on appropriate consent procedures for the medical treatment of children in local authority care.
§ Mr. NewtonConsent to medical treatment is one of the matters being considered for inclusion in revised guidance that we hope to issue in the new year. This guidance will accompany new regulations governing the conduct of children's homes which are at present the subject of consultation. The matter will also be touched on in guidance covering the use of secure accommodation in community homes that we intend issuing next month.