§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what and how many representations he has received from individuals and voluntary adoption agencies regarding his proposed changes of access to birth information records as set out in the Adoption and Children Bill. [19206]
§ Jacqui Smith[holding answer 29 November 2001]: I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer the hon. Member to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.
We have received many representations from individuals and organisations on access to information in relation to adoption and the provisions in the Adoption and Children Bill. As the hon. Member is aware, the Government have responded to the representations made to it and to the Special Standing Committee for the Bill by amending the provisions for access to birth record information.