§ Mr. KINGasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether there is any special Department of the Irish Office corresponding to the Children Department of the Home Office; and, if not, whether he will consider the formation of such a special Department?
§ Mr. BIRRELLNo Department of the Irish Government has been constituted exclusively for the purpose of the Children Act, 1908. The central administration of the Act is carried out in the office of the Chief Secretary, who replaces the Secretary of State in Ireland, and in the office of the Chief Inspector of Reformatory and Industrial Schools. I do not consider that there is any case for the creation of a special Department.
§ Mr. KINGasked the Secretary for Scotland whether there is any special Department of the Scottish Office corresponding to the Children Department of the Home Office; and, if not, whether he will consider the formation of such a special Department?
Mr. McKINNON WOODThe answer is in the negative. The number of the Scottish Office staff is not such as to permit of specialisation such as is possible in larger Departments.