§ Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Health under what authority a Public Assistance Committee -has the power to arrange for the disposal of children under their care by legal adoption, without the knowledge or consent of their responsible relatives.
§ Mr. WillinkThe question of making an Order authorising the adoption of a child is one for the Court, and unless the Court decide to dispense with this requirement an Order may not be made without the consent of the parent or guardian, any person or body who has the actual custody of the child and any person who is liable to contribute to the support of the child. Where the child is being maintained by a Public Assistance Committee it is not necessary for the Committee, before giving their consent, to ascertain that the consent of the other persons concerned will also be given.