§ Sir R. YOUNGasked the Home Secretary whether he can state the number of British children adopted by persons in foreign countries; whether there are any regulations governing the conditions of adoption; and what are the liabilities of foreign foster-parents towards these children?
§ Sir J. SIMONThe adoption of British children by persons in foreign countries is not subject to regulation, and I regret 2077W that no precise information is available as to the number of children so adopted. The liabilities of the adopters towards the children will depend on the legislation of the foreign countries concerned. I understand that evidence on the subject of foreign adoptions has been received by the Committee which I appointed on 31st January under the chairmanship of the senior Member for Dundee (Miss Horsbrugh) to inquire into the methods pursued by adoption societies or other agencies engaged in arranging for the adoption of children and to report whether any, and if so what, measures should be taken in the public interest to supervise or control their activities, and that the committee will probably refer to the matter in its report.