§ Mr. John TaylorTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans she had to take up and implement the recommendations of the Children Act Sub-Committee of her Family Law Advisory Committee in its report entitled, Making Contact Work; whether(a) primary and (b) secondary legislation will be necessary to bring about change in practice; and what timetable may be expected for legislation. [43426]
§ Ms Rosie WintertonThe Government acknowledge the valuable contribution the report 'Making Contact Work' will make in addressing this difficult and sensitive area. The report makes a large number of recommendations, including some which would require legislative changes, on the facilitation and enforcement of contact between children and a parent who no longer lives with them. The Government are considering the proposals very carefully and will publish their response in due course. The Government remain committed to the principle that the welfare of the child must be paramount in any decision-making concerning a child's future, including decisions relating to contact.