HC Deb 24 January 1996 vol 270 cc245-6W
Ms Coffey

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he has any plans to amend the Children Act 1989 following the ruling of the House of Lords on the appeal of Nottinghamshire county council; [11022]

(2) if he will make a statement on the implications for applications for care orders and related issues following the ruling of the House of Lords on the appeal by Nottinghamshire county council; [11023]

(3) what are the implications for the principle of the paramountcy of the child's welfare, set out in the Children Act 1989 of the decision of the House of Lords on the appeal by Nottinghamshire county council. [11024]

Mr. Bowis

The implications of the judgment are being considered, but preliminary indications are that it will not be necessary to amend the Children Act 1989 and that existing guidance on good practice is not affected by the judgment.